At 70, this patient had been living with carcinoma of the larynx and was fully aware of his illness and treatment. Yet, during the initial home-care visits, it was not the disease itself that seemed to weigh most heavily on him but the loss of his voice.
The patient had undergone a tracheostomy, following which he was no longer able to speak as he once had. For someone whose life was deeply rooted in religious activities, this loss had a profound emotional impact. He worked at a temple and had once actively participated in and worshipped his beloved deities through prayers. His inability to speak meant that he could no longer carry out his religious responsibilities in the same way. He felt that an important part of his identity and daily life had been taken away.
During almost every home-care visit, the patient returned to the same concern. He tried repeatedly to communicate how much he missed his previous routine and how difficult it was to no longer be able to perform his religious work. His sadness, frustration and loss of confidence were evident.
Recognising that his emotional distress was closely connected to his loss of communication, the counsellor began providing regular supportive counselling. Rather than dismissing his feelings, the team acknowledged his sense of loss and gave him the space to express what he was going through. Together, they explored alternative ways for him to communicate his thoughts, needs and emotions.
One of the suggestions was simple, which was writing. Initially, the patient was hesitant. He refused to write and was unsure whether this could really help him communicate. But the counselling team remained patient, encouraging and reassuring him during each subsequent visit. Slowly, he began to try.
With continued motivation, chalk and the handy slate board gradually became his new means of expression. What had initially felt like an unfamiliar and difficult task became a practical way for him to communicate with his family and caregivers. He could once again make his needs understood and share what he was thinking and feeling.
Today, the patient is able to express himself much more clearly through written word. This small but significant change has helped restore his confidence and given him a greater sense of control in his daily life. While his physical condition has changed, he has found a new way to make his voice heard.
His journey is a powerful reminder that communication is about more than speaking. When illness takes away a familiar way of expressing oneself, compassionate care can help a person discover another. Through patience, counselling, encouragement and continued support, this patient moved from hesitation and frustration towards adaptation, confidence and renewed independence and finding a new voice when he could no longer use his own in the process.
