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Expression of existential suffering in two patients with advanced cancer in an acute palliative care unit

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 October 2020

Michael Tang Open the ORCID record for Michael Tang [Opens in a new window] ,
Nhu-Nhu Nguyen ,
Eduardo Bruera ,
Kimberson Tanco  and
Marvin Delgado-Guay
Michael Tang*
Affiliation:
Department of Palliative, Rehabilitation and Integrative Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
Nhu-Nhu Nguyen
Affiliation:
Department of Palliative, Rehabilitation and Integrative Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
Eduardo Bruera
Affiliation:
Department of Palliative, Rehabilitation and Integrative Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
Kimberson Tanco
Affiliation:
Department of Palliative, Rehabilitation and Integrative Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
Marvin Delgado-Guay
Affiliation:
Department of Palliative, Rehabilitation and Integrative Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
*
Author for correspondence: Michael Tang, Department of Palliative, Rehabilitation and Integrative Medicine, Unit 1414, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd, Houston, TX 77030, USA. E-mail: mjtang@mdanderson.org
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Abstract

Background

Recognizing and managing existential suffering remains challenging. We present two cases demonstrating how existential suffering manifests in patients and how to manage it to alleviate suffering.

Case description

Case 1: A 69-year-old man with renal cell carcinoma receiving end-of-life care expressed fear of lying down “as he may not wake up.” He also expressed concerns of not being a good Christian. Supportive psychotherapy and chaplain support were provided, with anxiolytic medications as needed. He was able to express his fear of dying and concern about his family, and Edmonton Symptom Assessment System scores improved. He died peacefully with family at bedside. Case 2: A 71-year-old woman presented with follicular lymphoma and colonic obstruction requiring nasogastric drain of fecaloid matter. Initially, she felt that focusing on comfort rather than cure symbolized giving up but eventually felt at peace. Physical symptoms were well-controlled but emotionally she became more distressed, repeatedly asking angrily, “Why is it taking so long to die?.” She was supported by her family through Bible readings and prayers, but she was distressed about being a burden to them. An interdisciplinary approach involving expressive supportive counseling, spiritual care, and integrative medicine resulted in limited distress relief. Owing to increasing agitation, the patient and family agreed to titrate chlorpromazine to sedation. Her family was appreciative that she was restful until her death.

Conclusion

Existential suffering manifests through multiple domains in each patient. A combination of pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic techniques may be needed to relieve end-of-life suffering.

Keywords

Acute palliative care unitExistential distressInterdisciplinary teamSpiritual distress
Type
Case Report
Information
Palliative & Supportive Care , Volume 18 , Issue 6 , December 2020 , pp. 748 - 750
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Copyright
Copyright © The Author(s), 2020. Published by Cambridge University Press

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Footnotes

*

The authors M. Tang and N.-N. Nguyen contributed equally.

References

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