Click on link below, and view ONE patient living with ANY type of cancer (Childhood, Lung, Pancreatic, or Prostate):
http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2009/09/10/health/Patient_Voices.html?_r=0
Answer the questions that makeup the Psychological Template:
How does the person manage reality?
How does the person manage anxiety?
How does the person manage relationships?
How does the person manage cognition?
What is the person’s mastery-competence?
Post your responses below.
Sandra Baulkmon Martin, Pancreatic Cancer
1. Sandra has a strong personality, and when they told her she had Pancreatic Cancer, she says she screamed so loud in the hospital. She has a strong grasp on reality, but did not prepare for that type of news.
2. Sandra does not manage anxiety well. She says before getting a blood test, the night before, she can never sleep even though she has been cancer free. She copes with the disease emotionally because she says that you have to stay positive. She said that she stopped looking at informational websites because it says that Pancreatic Cancer is almost always a death sentence.
3. Sandra works with organizations to help spread support and awareness of her disease. She also confides in her husband for support.
4. Sandra has learned how to stay positive to keep her strength up. She says that she still has fight in her because she avoids thinking negatively.
5. Sandra is 58 years old and is competent about her disease. She can understand what she has and how to manage it.
Great job.
James Branch, Prostate Cancer
James Branch appears to be a “cancer-free” at the time of the recording because his prostate was removed. He seems as if he is in touch with reality although he does not discuss the possibility of cancer recurring in the future. He appears to be healthy and has a very positive and hopeful tone. James has adapted a lifestyle by eating healthier, by consuming more fish, chicken and vegetables. He is aware that fatty foods have a relationship with cancer. When James was initially diagnosed he expressed that he was “shocked” and was worried about the side effects of incontinence and erectile dysfunction. Although it could be lengthy period of returning to normal sexual state, he doesn’t appear anxious. The clip doesn’t explore any relationships that James is involved in. But I will make the assumption that he engages or has attempted to engage in sexual relationship due to focus of impotence. He is unemployed therefore the relationship with coworkers is not explored. James appears to have a positive perspective and able “to think”. He is totally aware that removal of the prostate was the best approach for him. James appears to be competent about prostate cancer and is aware that African Americans should be screened by age 40 and those individuals with a family history should be screened by age 35. He has the capacity to manage the disease although the future can be unpredictable.
Excellent use of the template.
PSYCHOLOGICAL TEMPLATE ASSIGNMENT
PANCREATIC CANCER
DR. RON DAVIES, 52, EAST LANSING, MICH.
In reality Dr.Ron has a very strong personality. He wasn’t devastated when he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer without knowing the actual cause of the disease because He never smoke and always has a good diet and this reason should have depressed him but He is very positive and focused on life
Dr. Ron managed anxiety through Problem focused copping, he treated the disease by means of chemotherapy, actively engaged to find workable solutions. Also, emotionally He seek comfort, solace and sympathy from friends and families
Dr.Ron has a perfect relationship with His nuclear family, wife and kids as well as the extended family. He was very cordial relationship with both immediate and long term friends and that help him to be strong and positive in battling the disease.
Cognitively, the disease reshaped Dr. Ron life and ambitions and the way He perceived things. He has a very acute mental processes and activity, His thought reflected on His work. Dr. Ron believed that humans are very vulnerable anything can just happen to anyone at any point in time therefore he lived His life on a daily basis and has a shot term ambitions rather than long term goals. He believed that every passing moment is just an opportunity or something to cherish.
Intellectually, He has a wide array of information about the disease as a doctor. His mental development was very strong and accepting. he was able to reshape his life to suit his current condition. he was focused on the positive things he can do as a result of the illness.
Taurey Idowu
Ken Griffey Sr.
Prostate Cancer
Ken Griffey Sr. seems to have a full grasp on the severity of the cancer and his diagnoses. He searches for information and realizes it’s a disease that is common but it does not get the attention it deserves compared diseases like breast cancer. His anxiety was very much present, as it would be in most man with prostate cancer. I’m sure question arise, like will erectile dysfunction be a factor in his life and how would he deal with that. Griffey actively searched for information and friends to confide in using his emotion focused coping as well as his problem focused coping when he opted to have his prostate removed. He also relates the change in his life to baseball, having to adjust to different pitches is something he was very familiar with and realized it to life adjustments. I feel that was very much a result of his anxiety because he seemed to have a great emotional connection with his grand-children. His relationship with his family seemed present. He does not mention dating or sexual activity but he says he can deal with ED as long as he gets to see his grand children grow up. His cognition see coherent and he copes with the reality of the disease very well. I do think he underestimates the effects ED could have on him emotionally and socially but as an older male I think he is more mature and can handle the effects. His mastery competency and seem efficient. He searched for information to learn more about the disease and to be some sort of vocal figure about its because he realized men are shameful and embarrassed when a side effect of disease effect their sex life.
Pancreatic Cancer
Jeff Ross: Determination Counts
Jeff is a 5 year cancer free 59-year-old man from California. He believes that he survived it because he was in complete denial for the duration of his diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. He immediately had a positive outlook and did not fall into despair and sorrow like most people do, while being aware of the statistics and how slim his odds were. He doesn’t really state how he managed his anxiety other than noting that the mind is a powerful thing and as he went through his treatments, he doesn’t remember them as being painful because the mind does not allow you to remember the pain. A perfect example he used was like a mother who decides to have 2nd and 3rd children despite the pain experienced from childbirth. He states that one of the relationships that helped him get through his diagnosis was Sally, the love of his life who asked him questions that helped him put things into perspective. Jeff’s relationships were managed well, he gained a sense of community with other patients. I would say he has excellent cognition and mastery- competence. He immediately started aggressive treatment in combination with chemotherapy and radiation, and he kept a positive attitude.
Rick Stabile ,56 Prostate Cancer
How does the person manage reality? Rick deals with his prostate cancer in a positive way. He doesn’t beat his self u about his cancer and sees some good in it. He appreciates life more since being diagnosed with prostate cancer. He keeps himself informed.
How does the person manage anxiety? Rick appears to have a calm, cool, collected attitude. He exercises and eats well as doctors suggested.
How does the person manage relationships? Rick did not mention relationships but he did bring up him not being able to have sex. He knows that his health is more important. He said if he couldn’t have sex any more that it wasn’t the end of the world. His main focus is that he wanted to live.
How does the person manage cognition? He keeps himself informed enough. He keeps himself very informed but doesn’t look at mortality statistics because he knows it will not help his condition
What is the person’s mastery-competence? His main focus was wanting to live and not worrying about his sex life possibly changing as well as having to change his diet.
Sandra Baulkmon Martin, 58
Pancreatic Cancer
1.How does the person manage reality?
She doesn’t manage reality well. She didn’t understand the severity of the illness. She thought that after one session of chemotherapy she would go back to work. Instead, she had to do chemotherapy once a week for 8 months.
2.How does the person manage anxiety?
She doesn’t manage anxiety well. Every time she has to go to the doctor, even if it’s for something as simple as getting blood drawn, she freaks out from anticipation. Another reason she might have his reaction to getting blood drawn is because she correlates it to bad news.
3.How does the person manage relationships?
She is married, but she doesn’t think her husband understands what she has to go through. For example, to him getting blood drawn is a simple task, but to her it reminds her that she may or may not be getting better. She doesn’t believe he’ll ever understand what she’s been through unless he goes through the same ordeal.
4.How does the person manage cognition?
She didn’t understand the disease very well because she automatically though she would die. Even going on websites to find more information made her less doubtful about her prognosis.
5.What is the person’s mastery-competence?
She mastered the competency of the disease after she went into remission. More than likely this was because she realized that the disease was not a death sentence, and that people have survived and lived normal lives after
Rick Stabile a man of 56 years old he got prostate cancer, he has strong personality, when Dr told hem he got prostate cancer he says the only thing he want is to live. I f he can or can’t have sex for him is not the end of the world, he seems to be in touch with reality he is ok to wear something artificial.He also manage anxiety through problem focusing coping , he has a good diet an lot exercise he stay positive and he have control over the situation. The cancer was a good thing for him because it force him to change his attitude and appreciate more his family and friends. Cognitively he seems coherent and emotionally and socially mature and perfectly well. His mastery competency seems pretty good, he is been looking online and try to be informed as much as possible, he don’t look statistics because he seems that it will not help him to get better.
ken girffey
How does the person manage reality?
for ken this was big blow because he was star , he was baseball player
he never thought that he would get news like this
he used his baseball knowledge to help him adjust to having prostate cancer
How does the person manage anxiety?
when ken found out about the news he couldn’t stop thinking about it , he said he was so worried because he didn’t know what was going on in his body
when he did find out , he knew he had to get surgery and he accepted it
How does the person manage relationships?
it was difficult because he didn’t want to tell his friends about it , and little did he know some of his friends had cancer to but where unwilling to say anything. i feel like ken wanted to keep the news hidden
What is the person’s mastery-competence?
ken repeatedly stated that he wanted be able to live to see his grand kids , i feel like that’s what he focused on he didn’t care what he had to go through to reach his goal.
Patient: Jack Weisenback,71 – Lung cancer
1.How does the person manage reality?
He seems to be managing the reality of having cancer better than he did the first time around as he explained. He uses humor to stay more positive the second time he found out the cancer came back compared to the first time he found out he was in a state of shock.
2.How does the person manage anxiety?
He seems to be handling the situation very calmly and explains that he wouldn’t worry if they found something during the screening process and would just get chemo-therpa if it was necessary.
3.How does the person manage relationships?
the patient is married and his wife seems to be very supportive especially when he first suffered from depression the first time being diagnosed compared to now they go out to eat more often than they did before.
4.How does the person manage cognition?
He seems to be looking at everything from a positive perspective now because of his previous experience of having cancer the first time. He uses humor to help him stay more positive.
5.What is the person’s mastery-competence?
HE is quite clear on what he has to do, now that he knows he has cancer again and is doing everything possible to beat it and not make it take him back to a state of depression. He’s seems very knowledgeable competent to make decisions for himself.
Rick stabile, 56, Queens NY
Reality- Rick is great. Not only does he know and understand the reality of his disease, he’s also accepted it. Rick had a radical prostatectomy. Up to half of all men who have a radical prostatectomy develop urinary incontinence. Rick had complete incontinence for a year after the surgery and still managed to keep a positive attitude.
Anxiety- Rick doesn’t discuss it specifically but I detect a fair amount of anxiety in his voice. Rick still has cancer in his body as his prostate cancer had spread to his lymph nodes. Although Rick is positive he does express some uncertainty about his future.
Relationships- Rick doesn’t talk about his family relationships but his wife and, I assume, son are in the photos so I can only guess that he receives support from them. Rick does reveal that he has a friend with cancer who he could confide in and who has given him valuable advice.
Cognition- I believe that Rick has a high level of cognition. He complies with the suggestions of his physician and actively takes control of his diet and exercise.
Mastery-competence- I think that Rick is of an average level in this area. He understands and can process his condition but is still learning to cope with the disease on both the physical and emotional level.
Psychological Template Assignment
Pancreatic Cancer
Sandra Baulkmon Martin, 58
Brandon, Fla
1. How does the person manage reality?
Sandra does not manage reality well. When the doctor told her there was a possibility of her having cancer, she freaked out. Sandra also did not have a good understanding of how serious her illness actually was. She assumed that after one session of chemotherapy she would be able to go back to work and continue a normal routine like before.
2. How does the person manage anxiety?
Sandra does not manage anxiety well. She expresses how she would not sleep the night before her blood was scheduled to be drawn. She also expresses how it is basically a fear.
3. How does the person manage relationships?
She is married and has support from her husband. Right before she gets blood drawn, her husband asks her why she is stressing. Her reply is that unless you personally go through it yourself you will not understand.
4. How does the person manage cognition?
She manages her cognition pretty well. She stayed away from the informational websites because it was negative and pretty much a death sentence. The best thing for her to do was to remain positive because being negative affects the fight a person has inside of them.
5. What is the person’s mastery-competence?
She is competent about her illness and is fully aware of what she went through. By having a positive outlook Sandra is now able to live a normal life again.
Prostate cancer
Mitch Laurance, 58
1. What I like about this story is that, he knows for a man his age he is at risk for prostate cancer. therefore, he makes sure that he gets check up regularly. so when he find out he has cancer it was not a big deal to him because he caught it early. the reality is the cancer was at the begging stage.
2. There was not any anxiety because he knows there is a virtue cure as he call it. He has a little worry and stress but nothing serious.
3.He has a great relationship with his family. As a matter of fact the support of his family that is what give him a purpose to keep moving on.
4. His thinking process his great due to his family support, the fact that he is cancer free, and know his not making any irrational decisions.
5. He is very competence. I believe that is the reason why he did early check ups. and he also work closely with coalition group to help educate people, help those who infected on how to cope with the cancer in the community.
Pancreatic Cancer
More Than a Statistic
Kate Thaxton, 36
How does the person manage reality?
After finding she found out she had cancer she didn’t know what to do and ended up driving around with her husband until dinner time where after that she decide she was going to do something such as scheduling appointments of treatment and more test.
How does the person manage anxiety?
She tried to get emotional support through going through the internet but even though articles and forums post suggest a positive attitude she ended up attributing herself more so to the statistics that were on the internet more then anything.
How does the person manage relationships?
Kate Thaxton’s husband name is Tim but it does not mention anything about how she manages her relationship with him other than the initial part where she says they drove around not knowing what to do.
How does the person manage cognition?
She manages her cognition by keeping things as normal as possible meaning that she still works and does things like go shopping which I believe is her way of keeping up a positive attitude and separating herself from her thoughts of being one of those grim statistics that were all over the internet.
What is the person’s mastery-competence?
The person’s mastery level is that of adult in the sense that she didn’t really spend too much time neglecting getting information and treatment. Initial yes when she found out she had cancer she didn’t know what to do but immediately after she decided to take a step in fighting the disease. In addition, following her normal routine before she was diagnosis she was able to keep a more positive attitude because seemingly her looking for emotional support through the internet did not help at all.
Prostrate Cancer
Mitch Lauurence
Mitch goes to get his PSA test and physical exams annually. when he went for his exams the results came back positive for prostrate cancer. hye realized that he was luckly to get his exams because early dection can be curable most of the time.
He had anxiety because he didn’t know how long it would last. his recovery was ok with a little emotional side, untill the cather was removed and had to deal with wearing diapers.
His relationship was great, he had a fantiastic wife and his family that surrounded him and support him during his time and his healing.
He made a great and quick decision to have his surgery and not let it linger on and spread which would of made things worse than it was.
His competence was back, his surgery was successfull. he was back to living almost like he was in about 4-5 months. life is great for him and his family and he’s fortunate to come back healthly.
Stephanie Beiser; Type II Diabetes:
Stephanie Beiser has type 2 diabetes and lives her life fighting type 2 diabetes, she understands that diabetes is a silent killer. After being in denial about having diabetes she experience a discomfort in her feet and decided to control her diabetes. She started taking her medication and ate healthier, she also tests her blood sugar levels regularly. She now lives with high spirits, is very energetic and is so ready to live her life with a positive outlook. Stephanie manages her anxiety very seriously, she realizes the problems that may occur if she doesn’t take care of her diabetes. She is cognitively aware that taking her medicine, eating healthier, exercising and testing her blood sugar levels will mean a healthier active body. Thus she has a high level of mastery-competence, always on top of her blood sugar levels, what she eats and her medicine with a positive spirit to live a better life.
james branch 60
How does the person manage reality? really good grasp on reality deciding to receive surgery to live a cancer free life despite having to deal with temporary bladder control problems and erectile dysfunction.
How does the person manage anxiety? good anxiety management weighing out the positives and negatives and seeing it as a just cause to suffer some minor consequences to live cancer free
How does the person manage relationships? none mentioned
How does the person manage cognition? stays positive does the necessary to live a healthy life stays informed of what he will be going through and makes the changes necessary
What is the person’s mastery-competence? good understanding of the disease and consequences that it could bring, along with a good understanding of how long they will last and any changes he should need to make. for example his diet, leaning away from fried foods and eating a dieting consisting of more fresh fruit,fish and vegetables
Pancreatic Cancer: Lisa Baertlein, 40
1. Lisa Baertlein’s brother has advanced pancreatic cancer and they don’t have much time to spend with each other.
2. Lisa’s brother Carl tries to cheer up Lisa and doesn’t want her to worry a lot.
3. She spends more time with her brother and it gave her a chance to know her brother even more than before.
4. She learned to have patience for other people’s problems like illnesses and every little moment with a loved one is pleasurable.
5. After her brother’s death, she finds it difficult to re-enter a normal life and after some time, she learns that every little moment can mean a lot.
Sandra Baulkmon Martin, 58
How does the person manage reality?
In the beginning when diagnosed she was in denial of having the disease and then thinking that once the chemotherapy was over she would be back to normal. She now has a positive outlook on her diagnosis and encourages others to also be and think positive.
How does the person manage anxiety?
Sandra gets very anxious to even get blood test where she has sleepless nights. She was fearful even after the chemotherapy was over.
How does the person manage relationships?
Sandra mentions that she has a husband that thinks positive of her diagnosis and tells her not to stress. She was also persistent with her doctor to find out the cause of her reoccurring infection.
How does the person manage cognition?
Sandra seemed like she has a great grasp on managing her cognition related to her diagnosis. She volunteered at the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network to help raise money for research and provided support for other patients.
What is the person’s mastery-competence?
Sandra is competent. She understands her diagnosis and ignores negative comments and ideas that she sees on the internet or what she hears. She believes that having a negative outlook and feeding into negativity only brings you down and it won’t allow you to have the willpower to continue to fight.
James Branch age 60
How does the person manage reality?
Mr. Branch seems very laid back and relaxed about his condition, he even decided to eat healthier. He explained he’s more in to fish, chicken, vegetables and other healthier choices.
How does the person manage anxiety?
He mentioned he was taken back with the results because he felt fine. He had no symptoms showing that he had prostate cancer.
How does the person manage relationships?
He mentioned his concerns were bladder control and erectile dysfunction. His concerns can also be related to future relationships since he didn’t mentioned if he was married.
How does the person manage cognition?
As I stated before Mr. Branch decided to change up his diet, he explained there are fatty foods that are linked to prostate cancer.
What is the person’s mastery-competence?
Mr.Branch overall seems to accept his diagnosis, he even states how important it is for African American males to be up to date on their health. He also states if you have family history you should get tested.
William Lewis 66
Prostate Cancer
How does the person manage reality?
Mr. Lewis is very realistic with himself. He knows the statistics and studies being done on prostate cancer. He likes to weigh his pros and cons with his options.
How does the person manage anxiety?
He seems very overwhelmed being alone with decision making from the Drs. different opinions. He seems pretty balanced and able to cope well with his stress.
How does the person manage in relationships?
It seems he doesn’t have much trust for people. He didn’t mention any close ones around him. He doesn’t know which dr to listen to. And he feels alone.
How does the person manage cognition?
He seems pretty aware. He doesn’t like to dwell on hopelessness yet knows the slim to none chances of survival. He puts the dates of his tests on his calendar but he doesn’t focus on it.
What is the persons mastery competence?
He researches his options. He listens to other peoples stories. He is open for opinions from different doctors. He weighs his pros and cons. Overall he has high competency.
Dr. Lisa Woody, 50, Lung Cancer
How does the person manage reality?
her diagnoses came as a shock to her, and knowing the stigma with lung cancer and the lack of treatments offered for this illness, she took it as a death sentence. however, she was willing to start treatment in order to continue her life as a doctor, because she doesn’t like being on the patient’s side of the matter.
How does the person manage anxiety?
she doesn’t have much anxiety except for a a stressful and frightening episode when her hair first started to fall out, and as a response she had her head shaved.
How does the person manage relationships?
she is straight forward with everybody when asked about her appearance (bald head, use of a cane) by revealing that it’s caused by her cancer.
How does the person manage cognition?
she has a realistic outlook of her illness and knows what to expect and thats why she’s willing to continue treatment to extend her life as long as the side effects are not so debilitating that they really interfere with her enjoyment of life. She believes that setting priorities is important for patients with terminal cancer.
What is the person’s mastery-competence?
Being a doctor makes it easier for her to stay informed, especially since she can talk to her oncologist in “doctor speak.” Thanks to her superior understanding of the matter she’s prepared for the worst, such as planning for hospice care.
Kate Thaxton, 36 : Pancreatic cancer.
How does the person manage reality?
Kate tries to keep her daily routine in tack. Although she knows facing a very scary situation, she still attends work and runs her daily errands.
How does the person manage anxiety?
Kate struggles with dealing with her anxiety. She finds herself catching up on readings and studies about her cancer and starts to panic when she notices the numbers she’s facing.
How does the person manage relationships?
The only relationship she mentions is the one with her husband. At first they both felt numbed and couldn’t believe the news they received. Then they strongly took action and he stays by her side. She also mentions how shocked people are to hear when she explains she is still working. Thats a good social feeling to have everyone around her be surprised by her strength and courage.
How does the person manage cognition?
As soon as she saw her oncologist, they began chemo within the next 30 minutes. The chemo she began with wasn’t strong enough, so she enhanced her medication which caused her to lose her hair and caused nauseation. She tries to ignore what she is dealing with and continues to work and follows her everyday routine.
What is the person’s mastery-competence?
She does mention as she reads about her cancer, most people diagnosis with Pancreatic cancer, are all in late adulthood. She said they are more accepting considering they’ve had such a long and happy life. She struggles with not having children or being able to pursue things she has always hoped too. Aside from that little struggle of anxiety, Kate handles her cancer pretty well. She tries to pursue each day and fight to the absolute fullest.
Jeff Ross ,59
Pancreatic Cancer
How does the person manage reality?
In reality, Jeff deals with his 5 years cancer-free pancreatic cancer in a survival way. He have a truly positive influence because the doctor told him approximately six to nine months to live longer.
How does the person manage anxiety?
Jeff does not mention anything about his anxiety but he was worry about the statistics of pancreatic cancer on how other people death situation. It was so sorrow and grief on a lot of people suffering to death.
How does the person manage relationships?
Jeff have a good relationship with his wife named Sally who is love of his life. His wife will always support and always keep fighting no matter what kind of cancer he had.
How does the person manage cognition?
Jeff manage cognition on how to stay positive and a sense of community with other patient and with the people who help him through this hard time.
What is the person’s mastery-competence?
Jeff has strong competent to say this to everyone out there because he wants to prepare for the battle with no fear and no negative situation. Always stay with positive ability.
Judy Endow Autisim
1. She didnt know she had autism until her son was diagnosed with it, through out her life she has been diagnosed with different mentally illness so being diagnosed with autism helped her make sense how she experienced the world around her
She talked about how being have words to describe how they feel, but she sees pictures and shapes and colors in her head instead of words that being have to describe how they feel, so i think doing pottery actually helps her deal with her anxiety because she is able to make something about how she feels and she actually says that a piece of pottery holds her thought and its a picture of what she is thinking
One thing that she said that had an impact on my understanding is that autism does not define my humanity it only defines the characteristics of my differences. Being autistic does not make her different from other individuals its just the way she may communicate her feeling and thoughts may be different from how other individuals would.
She explained that being diagnosed with autism gave her an insight to her way of thinking and the way she communicated so being diagnosed with autism was a relieve to her because it gave her an understanding to a lot of things that was happening in her life.
Pancreatic Cancer
Patient – Marilyn Horne, Age 74
Location – Santa Barbara, Calif.
1. This patient manages reality really well. Although she was shocked and scared when she found out about the cancer, she still made up her mind and told herself that it was time for her to put up a fight which she did and was eventually able to overcome the cancer.
2. She seems to manage anxiety very well. As she described her reaction to this cancer, judging from her voice and description she was afraid and stressed but she overcame this anxiety by pushing herself and by taking hypnosis where she was able to keep her feelings under control.
3. She doesn’t speak much about the relationships in her life but she does mention about how much she loves her life and is thankful for it so we can judge from that, that she had a good life besides the cancer part of it and maintained wonderful relationships. Judging from her voice I can also assume that she is a very jolly person and that must have made her relationships with people better.
4. The way she thinks to me is very intelligently and bravely. She understands her feelings and she knows how to deal with those feelings. She thinks before an action and she knows what will help her better with a situation rather than to panic and make hasty decisions.
5. She is very competent. She has all the skills and intelligence that was required to overcome the disease and so she put up her biggest fight and won it. She knew what had to be done and the way she thinks and her bravery were the two main things that helped her the most in this fight.
James Branch, 60 Prostate cancer
He was shocked when he got the result from the biopsy examination that he had prostate cancer. Even through there are two major side effects of the surgical removal of the prostate, he decided to get it done. He thought that’s the best treatment for him. These two side effects can lead to anxiety. He sounds understand it and accept it. He purposely changed his diet because certain foods contribute to prostate cancer. Now he eats more fish, chicken, and vegetables. The audio doesn’t mention if he is married or has a partner, but the two major side effects will definitely affect relationship. He understood that African Americans should take the PSA test after age 40, and he closely followed his treatment plan. For him, the side effects is outweighed by the quality cancer-free life.
1) How does the person manage reality?
Mitch Laurence is aware how important it is for him to get the psa exam and the physical exam for prostate cancer because of his age. Also, he knows that if he gets checked frequently and is able to anticipate the cancer early a cure is strong possibility. Later, when he gets the cancer he is not shocked but relived that he caught the cancer early indeed.
2) How does the person manage anxiety?
Recovery took him a couple of months, which he described as “OK”. After he got the catheter removed, which was connected to his bladder to remove fluid, when he started to deal with daily life hassles using incontinence pads, diapers things he thought he would never deal with at the age of 52 and felt a little embarrassed. Also, had anxiety about how long will he have to wear diapers and fortunately a couple of months later he was relieved of this stress and came back on track.
3) How does the person manage relationships?
Has a fantastic supportive family and wife around him and feels deeply thankfully towards that each day.
4) How does the person manage cognition?
Recovering from the cancer have him a new prospective on life and made him realize how lucky he is as a prostate cancer survivor.
5) What is the person’s mastery-competence?
Knows that many people die from prostate cancer and is actively working for the national prostate cancer coalition helping other survivor and raising awareness of the importance of early screening.
Patient Name: Mitch Laurence, 58
Cancer Type: Prostate Cancer
From: Myrtle Beach, S.C
Laura Mercer, Alzheimer’s Disease
How does the person manage reality?
Laura woke up one day not able to recognize her husband, she also started to forget a lot of things, and were unaware that she forgotten until people around her started noticing. She knows her disease is getting worse but she is still trying hard.
How does the person manage anxiety?
Laura has her good and bad days of frustration, despite all she manages it well and tries her best to look on the positive outlook of life.
How does the person manage relationships?
Her husband is a great supporter, takes good care of her and really wants to be there for her as long as he can. They believe to just appreciate life right now and live in the moment, while they can.
How does the person manage cognition?
Laura’s cognition is good, she understands her disease is not getting better but she tries hard by doing puzzles and writing anything down for her memory.
What is the person’s mastery-competence?
Laura is competent of her disease and knows that by solving puzzles it would help with the memory.
James Branch, 60, prostate cancer
1. how does the person manage reality?
he seems to be coping with reality in a very good way because after learning that he had cancer and weigh the choices he had, he decided to have surgery while accepting the risks it involved.
2. How does the person manage anxiety?
He is seems to be worried about the erectile dysfunction which is one of the side effect of the surgery.
3. How does the person manage relationships:?
the effect of the cancer on his relationship is not that clear as he doesn’t mention anything about his relationships.
4. How does the person manage cognition?
he seems to be psychologically stable as he still has hope on the success of the surgery, but he also doesn’t brush away the eventuality of its failure.
5. He changes his eating habits. He is into healthier food because according to him, junk food contribute to prostate cancer.
Rick Stabile, 56
Prostate Cancer:
1. A very realistic man as well as optimistic. Also a man whom is married and a son which seem like is already an adult.
2. Not a bit of anxiety, very calm. Able to still understand that “it is not the end of the world” in my perspective.
3. His relationship was not much mention in the audio, but his personality in the audio makes me think he is a layback person. Therefore, I believe that the cancer may have or had an impact that affect his relationship but not anymore. Also his family are there to support it seems in the picture.
4. He did research this disease and cope very well. Although he did research and looked into the statistics, he was not bothered by it.
5. He is aware of his disabilities and cope with it very well. Finding solutions and being able to break through the barrier of how other may see him is something he is able to do. As well as understand himself.
How does the person manage reality?
Despite knowing the fact that he had advanced pancreatic cancer which is considered 4th deadliest of all the cancers and so deadly that there are approximately 36,000 deaths each year, Mr. Ross was always determined to survive.
How does the person manage anxiety?
Though a lot of would go into sorrow and grief, he stayed in denial and knew that he would come through the other side of the disease.
How does the person manage relationships?
He has love of his life, his beautiful wife, Sally who always encourages him to make plans in order to be up against the disease.
How does the person manage cognition?
He doesn’t look back and consider it as a negative situation and he always had a will and he would make through as he still has that 10% chance.
What is the person’s mastery-competence?
He believes that a positive attitude and his refusal to accept his prognosis were the key to his survival.
Kate Thaxton, 36- Pancreatic Cancer
How does the person manage reality?
– Kate like most people who get a form of bad disease thought it could never happen to her so she when she was diagnosed she was shocked alongside her husband. Kate now accepts that she is sick but will continue to live life as thought everything is normal.
How does the person manage anxiety?
-Kate manages I believe anxiety but trying to make it seem like everything is normal by going to work and going to the grocery she feels that this allows her to take her mind off the real situation and make it seem like everything is normal.
How does the person manage relationships?
– Kate has a strong relationship with her husband who stands by her and supports her both emotionally and physically. She knows that although she may be dying her husband will stand by her. Kate did not speak about friends or other families.
How does the person manage cognition?
-Kate is constantly trying to stay active as in doing errands although her disease prohibits her from doing much.
What is the person’s mastery-competence?
– Kate accepts her disease and continues to live life as though she was healthy
P.S. (forgot to mention the person’s name and disease)
Jeff Ross, 59
Pancreatic Cancer
The patient I chose is Pamela, she is 44 years old and she suffers from infertility. She like many women has a very hard time facing the fact that she will never be able to conceive children. This has been very difficult on her and has taken a toll. Pamela sounds anxious at times because she realizes that she will never be able to take her children to their first day of school or watch them play a little league. I think these thoughts are very hard to cope with and she struggles every day of her life. Also, these thoughts have affected her personal relationships with her friends which are parents. I think that Pamela is well aware of her situation and has tried to learn more about her condition.
Kate Thaxton 36, Pancreatic Cancer
1.How does the person manage reality?
the patient is aware of the severity of her illness, and understands this type of cancer isn’t common in people her age. I think she is being realistic because she has received treatment and isn’t in denial.
2.How does the person manage anxiety?
the patient try’s to follow her routine and try’s not to get caught up with her situation.
3.How does the person manage relationships?
She has support of her husband, but worries about not being able to provide him with a family.
4.How does the person manage cognition?
The patients try’s to follow a normal life style even though is hard for her at times. She continues to work and do her regular routine.
5.What is the person’s mastery-competence?
She accepts the disease and follows a regular lifestyle but it has also limit her to be as active as she was. She also worries not being able to have kids and live a long life compared to those older adults that have pancreatic cancer and had lived through all that she hasn’t experienced yet
Kate Thaxton, 36
How does the person manage reality? Keeps a routine – goes to the store and manages her own life, keeping things as normal as possible to get through from one day to another.
How does the person manage anxiety? She uses online support groups, but experiences some anxiety for being so young with her disease when most members of these groups are elderly.
How does the person manage relationships? Married, her husband helped her through the process and accompanied her to her doctors’ appointments.
How does the person manage cognition? She takes life one day at a time and tried to lead as normal of a life as possible despite her condition.
What is the person’s mastery-competence? Has educated herself, knows statistics about her disease and participates in support groups. Tried to remain as psychologically stable as she can.
JEFF ROSS – PANCREATIC CANCER
How does the person manage reality? Jeff Ross a 59 year old male has pancreatic cancer . Despite his odds of survival he was determined to beat it.
How does the person manage anxiety? He had a positive outlook and did not fall into hopelessness
How does the person manage relationships? With the help of his wife by his side he beat the aggressive treatment given to him
How does the person manage cognition? Jeff Ross manages cognition on how to stay positive with the people who help him through this hard time.
What is the person’s mastery-competence? He masters competency very well because of immediate treatment and hasn’t let it ruin his outlook in life.
James Branch
Age: 60
From: Naperville, II
Diagnosis: Prostate Cancer
James Branch seems to be very aware of the disease he once had, which is prostate cancer. From the video, it’s clear that he’s cancer free & now taking precautions to avoid further diagnosis. He’s well educated about Prostate cancer’ he mentioned in the video that, a male of African American descent should be checked for prostate cancer once they are 40 & if they have a family history of prostate cancer they should be checked at the age of 35. He is also maintaining a healthy diet by consuming more fish, chicken and vegetables, as well as avoiding fatty foods. He was really shocked when he found out that he has been diagnosed with prostate cancer because he thought he was very healthy and he felt no signs of cancer. After he had his prostates taken out, he dealt with 2 major side affects, incontinence and erectile dysfunction. He was aware that he wouldn’t have full control of his bladder until almost after 2 years since his surgery but he was taking medication for it. At the time of the video, he was unemployed therefore it’s hard to tell if he had any relationships with his old co-workers. I can’t conclude whether he has any intimate partner either. He appears to be competent as he is able to maintain his daily routines without any hassle.
PATIENT INFORMATION-:
NAME; EMILY SCHALLER
AGE 27 YEARS OLD
LOCATION; TRENTON, MICH
DIAGNOSIS; CYSTIC FIBROSIS
Cystic fibrosis is a hereditary disorder which affects both the respiratory and digestive systems. This is caused by a defective gene which manipulates the body to produce thick and sticky mucus. It eventually obstructs the lungs and pancreas thereby causing infection and malnutrition.
As high school student, Emily Schaller was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis with a prognosis that, she might not live longer past her twenties.
As result of medicine and scientific advancements, there are now variety of treatments which prolong and improve the lives of those who are affected with the chronic disease. This has greatly and positively impacted her psychosocial status thus becoming reassuring, hopeful and optimistic about the future.
She seems to have accepted the realities of the disorder with a good management of drug regimen and daily exercise in the form of running. It demonstrates how she copes with the effects of disease by indulging in problem and emotion focused techniques.
Accordingly, E. Shaller tends to be proactive and ambitious of organizing state wide marathon campaigns to promote awareness and therapy management of cystic fibrosis to overshadow the barriers like stigma and isolation.
Most importantly, she is very confident that, by the advent of medicine and science technology, the disease would be treatable, preventable and beatable in the nearby future thus leading to the fulfillment of life by all potential carriers of the defective gene of cystic fibrosis.
Dr. Lisa Woody, 50, Lung Cancer, Guilford, Conn.
1) How does the person manage reality?
She is a very experienced and mature person. She knows how to deal with such issues and not loose faith and hope but to continue with treatment with a positive attitude. She was absolutely shocked when she came to know about her condition but was well informed by school about treatment options and she decided to go for it. When she was sure about her condition she had an idea that the best thing she can do is to start the treatment and live a life with hope.
2) How does the person manage anxiety?
Her way to manage anxiety is to get as much information as she can about the cancer and treatment options and start the treatment (which she did) while continuing with everyday life (work, family etc.) She overcomes her fear by the fact that she is undergoing treatment and she is not the only one who has lung cancer, so for her there is no point worrying too much.
3) How does the person manage relationships?
She believes in enjoying her relationships as a normal person. Unlike many other people she is different and confident that she is doing the best about treatment and getting information and she will be healthy. She is not worrying about her relationships that if she die what will happen to the people that she leaves behind, she believes that as long as she is alive she will enjoy her relationships.
4) How does the person manage cognition?
She manages cognition by telling herself that to find out what is important in her life and set out the priorities right so that she is hopefully able to achieve some goal one day. She is prepared for the bad time as well since she knows that she has got lung cancer so any day she will be required to go to intensive care in hospital.
5) What is the person’s mastery-competence?
Her mastery-competence is that she is able to fully understand and live with the reality, at the same time not worrying too much but focusing on the treatment and living a good life. She has a tremendous amount of confidence and hope while telling herself that if worst time comes she will face it.
Sandra Baulkmon Martin, 58
How does the person manage reality?
The patient deals with it, she calls it a fear.
How does the person manage anxiety?
The patient still has a lot of anxiety because she is scared the cancer may come back even though surgery was done to remove it. Patient is unable to sleep even though it is just blood work.
How does the person manage relationships?
The patient feels like people wouldn’t understand how she feels because they’ve never had pancreatic cancer.
How does the person manage cognition?
The patient would go on websites but she didn’t really like it because everything she would read would sound like a death sentence.
What is the person’s mastery-competence?
The patient beat the cancer and it hasn’t appeared again so far. She is the small percentage that survived five years past diagnosis.
Lung Cancer
Dr. Lisa Woody, 50 Female
Guilford, CT
How does the person manage reality?
Dr. Woody has managed reality with accepting her diagnosis, informing her children. Dr. Woody has also continue to work while she has this cancer, she has also accepted that this is out of her control.
How does the person manage anxiety?
Her first stressful & anxious moment was when she started losing her hair and she just shaved her head off to avoid having the sporadic hair growth. I also think that her oncologist has helped ease her anxiety tremendously because Dr. Woody just continues to seek information about her treatment options for her.
How does the person manage relationships?
She’s very straightforward and honest so if someone asks she will tell them the truth about her diagnosis. I think the best relationship she has from how her voice changes when she’s speaking is with her Oncologist.
How does the person manage cognition?
Dr. Woody has managed cognition because she has gotten informed from day one, because at the beginning she was shocked and thought she would be dead in 6 months after being diagnosed. Her doing her research and being well informed has helped her manage the cognition of this disease and would be best for her.
What is the person’s mastery-competence?
i think her being a doctor has helped her master competency about this disease. She has learned about that cancer can be treated to atleast prolong her life as long as she is getting treatment. The fact that she has been able to speak to her oncologist not just as a patient but as a peer, I’m sure that has brought her some type of relief. She’s willing to continue to treatment to extend her life and is focusing on living in the present versus thinking about what will happen in the future although she knows what this disease will end up taking her.
Lung Cancer
Dr. Lisa Woody, 50 Female
Guilford, CT
How does the person manage reality?
Dr. Woody has managed reality with accepting her diagnosis, informing her children. Dr. Woody has also continue to work while she has this cancer, she has also accepted that this is out of her control.
How does the person manage anxiety?
Her first stressful & anxious moment was when she started losing her hair and she just shaved her head off to avoid having the sporadic hair growth. I also think that her oncologist has helped ease her anxiety tremendously because Dr. Woody just continues to seek information about her treatment options for her.
How does the person manage relationships?
She’s very straightforward and honest so if someone asks she will tell them the truth about her diagnosis. I think the best relationship she has from how her voice changes when she’s speaking is with her Oncologist.
How does the person manage cognition?
Dr. Woody has managed cognition because she has gotten informed from day one, because at the beginning she was shocked and thought she would be dead in 6 months after being diagnosed. Her doing her research and being well informed has helped her manage the cognition of this disease and would be best for her.
What is the person’s mastery-competence?
i think her being a doctor has helped her master competency about this disease. She has learned about that cancer can be treated to atleast prolong her life as long as she is getting treatment. The fact that she has been able to speak to her oncologist not just as a patient but as a peer, I’m sure that has brought her some type of relief. She’s willing to continue to treatment to extend her life and is focusing on living in the present versus thinking about what will happen in the future although she knows what this disease will end up taking her.
Rick Stabile, 56 years old
Prostate Cancer
Queens, NY
1. How does the person manage reality?
Mr. Stabile is took the news in a pacific way, to him the most important thing is to be alive and the others thing does not matter too much.
2. How does the person manage anxiety?
He follow the doctor’s advises, he sound happy, he doesn’t get mad or have negative thinking.
3. How does the person manage relationships?
Well the only thing that I heard was that if he can have sex is great but if he can’t is not the end of the world. To him that’s a minor thing, he got others priorities now in life.
4. How does the person manage cognition?
Mr. Stabile understood well what he had and he manage to be very alert on what he has, he has control over his action, he look up things online to keep himself informed.
5. What is the person’s mastery-competence?
His mastery-competence is life. As long has a breath and his family it is all good to him. He stays positive.
Pancreatic Cancer
Patient – Marilyn Horne, Age 74
Location – Santa Barbara, Calif.
1. Horne was able to manage reality really well, she was able to dig deep and steel herself and make the decision to fight cancer which she did.
2. Horne managed anxiety very well because she thinks clearly about her moves before she makes them, not allowing herself to make bad judgements or haste decisions due to fear.
3. Horne is very in-tune with herself and her happiness, she’s very thankful for her life, she did not mention relations however.
4. Horne manages cognition by being honest with herself about her feelings and fears towards the disease and seeks outside help through hypnosis.
5. Horne is competent about her disease. She understood that she had to find her fortitude in-order to fight the disease, she did that and won.