Siyaram, 64, a rickshaw puller by occupation, was diagnosed with cancer of the urinary bladder. He lived with his family in a self owned small house at Mayur Vihar Phase III, in East Delhi.

Siyaram’s family comprised of his wife, five daughters, and a son. Of the six children, the two eldest daughters and son are married. One of his unmarried daughters works in a factory and became the primary bread earner post her father’s cancer diagnosis. Siyaram could not work because of his illness and its effect on his physical condition.

The economic condition of the family was not good. Siyaram’s son was not very supportive and would visit the family only occasionally. The responsibility of the father fell on the three unmarried daughters and they along with his wife became the primary caregivers.

CanSupport had got Siyaram’s referral from another home care patient who lived near his house. The team visited his home and explained the family about Palliative care and how this specialized medical care is given to people with serious illness. They were informed that palliative care focuses on providing relief from the symptoms and stress of a serious illness and also treats emotional, social, practical, and spiritual problems that such an illness can cause. The goal of palliative care is to improve the quality of life for both the patient and the family. The family was very happy to learn about this support service and more so that it was free of cost.

The palliative care team focussed first on Siyaram’s physical issues which were addressed by the team doctor. Siyaram’s oncologist at DSCI hospital had advised surgery, but he was not keen on it, nor was he interested in any curative treatment. All he wanted was to live his remaining day’s pain free and in peace.

The team doctor, after going through his medical reports, gave pain relieving medication to manage the pain along with other notable physical issues like bleeding from the bladder and weakness. He was also provided some self-care tips.

Palliative care being a collaborative effort, the team nurse did an excellent job by listening to Siyaram with warmth and compassion. She also advised the family on a simple high protein diet regime that could easily be followed with no financial burden on the family. She educated Siyaram on maintaining personal hygiene along with other precautions that would enhance his quality of life.

The CanSupport team visited Siyaram regularly and besides handling his medical requirements, they encouraged him to talk and share his concerns and feelings. Siyaram narrated several stories from his life and the team counsellor constantly encouraged him to talk and heard him with empathy, love and compassion.

The palliative care team from CanSupport also helped the family with ration many times since they could not afford to buy even the basic ration at times.

Siyaram was anxious about arrangements for his third daughter’s upcoming wedding and shared his concerns with the team. The team assured him of every possible help. Through the generous support of CanSupport’s network of social workers and volunteers, it managed to assist him both in kind and cash. This provided immense happiness to Siyaram as he could arrange everything for his daughter’s special day.

Siyaram could marry off his daughter in high spirits and took part in every ritual and ceremony. To see him actively take part in making all arrangements for the wedding, one couldn’t even imagine that he had cancer.

Soon after the wedding, Siyaram’s condition deteriorated. The home care team kept the family abreast of his deteriorating condition. He also started experiencing hallucinations. The family was very confused about how to handle him in this condition. During this tough time, the home care team helped Siyaram and his family with medication and regular counselling.

The team also advised the family to get Siyaram to talk to his married daughters on the phone to make him feel happy, comforted and connected to his family.

The team would always ask Siyaram if he had any wish which they could try to fulfil. But he always responded with gratitude and thanked the team for their help with his daughter’s wedding. All he desired was to get his daughter married in front of his eyes and nothing else.

The team constantly worked on improving Siyaram’s quality of life and tried to make the last few months of his life peaceful and pain free.

Siyaram passed away peacefully in September 2021 in his own house, in the presence of his family members. His wife is very thankful to CanSupport and said, “My husband was treated with compassion and kindness and all his symptoms were addressed by the CanSupport home care team. I will always remain indebted to them.”