17-year-old Michael came to us with severe pain following chemotherapy treatment for a type of cancer he was diagnosed with. He had a chance to be completely cured, as it was in the early stage. But because he was not given adequate pain relief and he could not bear the severe pain, he told us, as soon as he came, ‘Please kill me if you cannot relieve my pain. If my pain continues this way, I will commit suicide’. We understood the emotion behind his words as a cry for pain relief. We spent time to explain that his pain can be well treated, as there is medicine specifically for the same, to which he readily agreed. We started him on tablet morphine, which is the drug of choice for the severe type of pain commonly seen in patients misunderstood by many if they take it. Doctors will not prescribe it. Patients also show abnormal (addiction) behavior. On the contrary, morphine relieves the pain effectively, helping the patient to feel normal again and get back to social circulation. Michael, the eldest of the three children, comes from a very low economic social status, with a father who spends his earnings on alcohol, leaving the mother as the sole breadwinner of the family. We assured Michael that we will look after his pain and distressing symptoms that may arise due to this cancer or the treatment of cancer. Michael agreed to take this tab late as per our instructions. He continues taking it for the whole year as he treats the means regularly every month with chemotherapy. During the one year, we managed to keep Michael occupied (as he was not studying) with some small jobs, like helping around in a hospital. At the end of the year, thankfully, Michael was declared disease-free and completely cured; we were very happy for his family too. As a rehabilitee, effort had helped him with arranging driving lessons, which let him get a job as an auto driver. Later, Michael got married, had children of his own, and is doing well in society, and he also came and spoke in our awareness programme.
We think this is a powerful and inspiring story about Michael’s journey through a difficult time in his life as it showcases the importance of proper pain management, emotional support, and rehabilitation in helping someone overcome both physical and psychological challenges during cancer (or any other long-term) treatment.
The Key Aspects of Palliative Care brought out in Michael’s story are:
Effective Pain Management: Michael’s experience highlights the critical role that pain management plays in the treatment of cancer. It’s crucial to ensure that patients are not suffering from uncontrolled pain, and medications like morphine, which are often misunderstood, can be a life-changing solution. By taking the time to explain the benefits and safety of morphine to Michael, we could help him manage his pain and gave him a renewed sense of hope and control.
Emotional Support and Reassurance: Michael’s initial plea for help – “please kill me if you cannot relieve my pain” – was an expression of desperation. It was important to recognize that this wasn’t a true desire for death, but rather a cry for pain relief. By offering reassurance and a clear treatment plan, we were able to support him emotionally and help him trust in the possibility of recovery.
Social and Psychological Rehabilitation: After Michael was pain-free and his cancer was in remission, the support didn’t stop. We helped him regain his sense of purpose by involving him in small jobs around the hospital and providing him with driving lessons, which eventually helped him secure a job as an auto driver. This approach showed that recovery isn’t just about physical healing, but also about helping the person re-engage with society and rebuild their life.
Positive Long-Term Outcomes: Michael’s story has a happy ending, as he went on to lead a fulfilling life. He got married, started a family, and even participated in awareness programs to share his journey. His story is a testament to the power of comprehensive care – both medical and emotional – and the positive impact it can have on a person’s life.