I am the spiritual care provider for the nurse practitioner solid tumor oncology palliative care team at Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania (HUP). By writing this blog, I hope to give you an understanding of what it can mean to someone living with cancer to have a chaplain at the bedside when a team of clinicians makes its rounds.
Our multidisciplinary team of cancer specialists responds to the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of the patient. Its primary intention is to address the symptoms of disease, alleviate suffering, and increase the quality of each person’s life while living with illness. My role, within this team, as a bedside spiritual provider is to help patients understand if and how emotional and spiritual experiences contribute to their pain. I am there to remind patients of their innate wholeness as human beings during crisis.
Earlier this year, Deborah had been under our inpatient care for more than three weeks. Only 50 years old, she lived in rural Kentucky with her husband and two children. After living for more than four years with papillary thyroid cancer, she traveled to HUP to participate in a phase II clinical trial.
During Deborah’s stay, her care team focused on many goals; one of which was addressing the pain in her right shoulder.I rounded with the team on the day that the suggestion was made that she needed to postpone her return to KY.
Imaging studies could determine whether or not there was an infection in the shoulder needing antibiotics.
Deborah had been hoping for permission to leave. Throughout her hospitalization, in spite of excruciating pain and great uncertainty, she always expressed her emotions directly. On the morning she learned she would not be discharged right away, she broke down in tears. She didn’t know what to do – stay, or leave against the team’s wishes.
At the time, I didn’t know Deborah well, but when she mentioned through her tears she had a strong faith that grounded her, I waited until the team left the room and asked Deborah if a prayer would help her to make a decision. She immediately said yes, and we prayed for clarity. The tension in the room melted away.
I left her to her own thoughts and feelings, and five minutes later, she announced she would stay and follow the medical advice.
Ultimately, after her biopsy, Deborah found out her tumor had transformed into fast moving anaplastic thyroid cancer. We stabilized her and managed her pain so that she could return home to KY.Everyone who crossed her path as a caregiver was moved by her resiliency and strength. I remember Deborah telling us frequently she felt safe at Penn, even though she was far away from home.
Her family never left her completely alone and I was moved by such devotion and love crossing great distances.
As a chaplain on a team focused on symptom management throughout the continuum of care, my presence may serve to remind each patient what is essentially and spiritually important to them during treatment. Remembering what sustains and nourishes us during crisis is often a source of healing strength and consolation.
If you interested in palliative care services for yourself or a loved one, please speak with someone your cancer care team.
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