Caring for someone with serious illness

Iqbal,* 35, was diagnosed with terminal lung cancer in 2022. Beyond the physical and mental toll of his illness, he and his family had a lot of decisions to make. His wife, Neena,* would soon become the primary breadwinner and caregiver to their two young children. Iqbal hadn’t prepared a will, and his assets were in limbo. Moreover, he did not wish to inform his parents of his prognosis because of a strained relationship with them. Iqbal was our patient in 2023. Our team consisting of one doctor, two nurses, and a counsellor visited him to evaluate what kind of support we could offer. The doctor assessed his symptoms and drew up a care plan. Since Iqbal was partially bed-bound, the nurse taught him how to manage his skincare and oral care. The counsellor listened to the couple’s emotional needs, including concerns around breaking the news to their young children. Neena was in a state of emotional turmoil; Iqbal himself was going through depression and refused to take his medications.