Hepl me explain

blessick
blessick Member Posts: 2
in Colorectal Cancer #1
I work at Mental health facility serving Deaf and Hard of hearing people. Had a consumer recently be diagnosed with colon cancer. Meeting with surgeon and parents on Friday. Person is hard of hearing and mentally ill. Where can I find some info that will help him understand.

Thanks

Comments

  • pepebcn
    pepebcn Member Posts: 6,331 Member
    #2
    Hi bless ,nice from your side helping your customer !
    Don't know if he is capable to join us in this bored but if yes it is a great place where to ask and understand this bloody illness !.
    God bless you blessick!
    Hugs!
  • Buckwirth
    Buckwirth Member Posts: 1,258 Member
    #3
    What is the extent
    of the mental illness? I assume he is capable of understanding, but you are not clear on this point.

    Also, what stage is the disease? CRC can be as simple as having a polyp removed, or as complicated as having the entire colon removed (not to mention surgery to the lungs, liver, appendix, brain and other major organs).

    Chemotherapy may or may not be involved.

    Finally, what is his age and general health?

    Realizing that you are probably limited to what you can share due to HIPPA laws, you may not be able to give us much, however, the quality of what we return to you is entirely dependent on what we know of your patient.
  • blessick
    blessick Member Posts: 2
    #4
    Buckwirth said:

    What is the extent
    of the mental illness? I assume he is capable of understanding, but you are not clear on this point.

    Also, what stage is the disease? CRC can be as simple as having a polyp removed, or as complicated as having the entire colon removed (not to mention surgery to the lungs, liver, appendix, brain and other major organs).

    Chemotherapy may or may not be involved.

    Finally, what is his age and general health?

    Realizing that you are probably limited to what you can share due to HIPPA laws, you may not be able to give us much, however, the quality of what we return to you is entirely dependent on what we know of your patient.

    consumer 50 yrs old, had
    consumer 50 yrs old, had suicidal incidents in the past, psyc hospital in May. In general good health. Tumor found in sigmoid colon area almost completely blocking colon. Had Ct scan on Tuesday. Will see surgeon for the results of that on Friday.
    My major concern is the medical profession has a hard time understanding the combo platter of the deafness with the mental illness. When surgeon and I tried show him pictures of colonoscopy he stated I know that's not me, God told me that's not me.
    I have worked with this person for over 17 years, but I am stumped about, what to do. Already thinks the psycotropic drugs that he is on are poisoning him, what will happen when he actualy starts getting drugs that are poison.

    Do we want him to understand this disease and what the odds are? So many questions and don't know where to look for the answers.
  • Buckwirth
    Buckwirth Member Posts: 1,258 Member
    #5
    blessick said:

    consumer 50 yrs old, had
    consumer 50 yrs old, had suicidal incidents in the past, psyc hospital in May. In general good health. Tumor found in sigmoid colon area almost completely blocking colon. Had Ct scan on Tuesday. Will see surgeon for the results of that on Friday.
    My major concern is the medical profession has a hard time understanding the combo platter of the deafness with the mental illness. When surgeon and I tried show him pictures of colonoscopy he stated I know that's not me, God told me that's not me.
    I have worked with this person for over 17 years, but I am stumped about, what to do. Already thinks the psycotropic drugs that he is on are poisoning him, what will happen when he actualy starts getting drugs that are poison.

    Do we want him to understand this disease and what the odds are? So many questions and don't know where to look for the answers.

    That is a tough one
    Getting him into chemo may be impossible.

    Staging is important here, 1-2 and you may want to consider skipping chemo, possibly even at stage 3. He is certainly facing surgery, with the possibility of a stoma (not sure how he would see that). You may want to look for either an Oncologist with a psychiatric background, or a mental health professional who specializes in cancer survivors.

    The hearing issue is minor (I know it does not seem that way), but the paranoia is a huge hurdle.

    Start contacting Oncologists now if you can. Finding one who has experience with the mental health aspect here is probably going to be the key.
  • PhillieG
    PhillieG Member Posts: 4,866 Member
    #6
    blessick said:

    consumer 50 yrs old, had
    consumer 50 yrs old, had suicidal incidents in the past, psyc hospital in May. In general good health. Tumor found in sigmoid colon area almost completely blocking colon. Had Ct scan on Tuesday. Will see surgeon for the results of that on Friday.
    My major concern is the medical profession has a hard time understanding the combo platter of the deafness with the mental illness. When surgeon and I tried show him pictures of colonoscopy he stated I know that's not me, God told me that's not me.
    I have worked with this person for over 17 years, but I am stumped about, what to do. Already thinks the psycotropic drugs that he is on are poisoning him, what will happen when he actualy starts getting drugs that are poison.

    Do we want him to understand this disease and what the odds are? So many questions and don't know where to look for the answers.

    I Agree, a Tough One
    "When surgeon and I tried show him pictures of colonoscopy he stated I know that's not me,
    God told me that's not me".
    It sounds like he will have a VERY rough time with chemo, surgery and everything that goes
    along with it.

    Good luck to him and to you.
    -phil
  • John23
    John23 Member Posts: 2,122 Member
    #7
    blessick said:

    consumer 50 yrs old, had
    consumer 50 yrs old, had suicidal incidents in the past, psyc hospital in May. In general good health. Tumor found in sigmoid colon area almost completely blocking colon. Had Ct scan on Tuesday. Will see surgeon for the results of that on Friday.
    My major concern is the medical profession has a hard time understanding the combo platter of the deafness with the mental illness. When surgeon and I tried show him pictures of colonoscopy he stated I know that's not me, God told me that's not me.
    I have worked with this person for over 17 years, but I am stumped about, what to do. Already thinks the psycotropic drugs that he is on are poisoning him, what will happen when he actualy starts getting drugs that are poison.

    Do we want him to understand this disease and what the odds are? So many questions and don't know where to look for the answers.

    blessick -

    Re:
    "When surgeon and I tried show him pictures of colonoscopy
    he stated I know that's not me, God told me that's not me"

    You didn't say what religion he was,but wouldn't a representative
    of his religion (priest, rabbi, reverend, etc) be in order?

    His health condition could then be explained to him from someone
    he might trust better.

    My best to you,

    John
  • Lovekitties
    Lovekitties Member Posts: 3,364 Member
    #8
    Extent of Mental Illness
    It almost sounds as if the suicidal tendancy is not the only issue here.

    Is the patient mentally challenged? Asking since you mentioned you and the surgeon trying to explain procedure with pictures and patient's response. Being deaf only makes communication more challenging, but should not have an impact on understanding. Are there perhaps some meds which are being given which have an impact on mental capacity?

    If mentally challenged, does someone have a proxy to see to his medical care or is the patient able to make those choices for himself?

    Perhaps you could check with your local Cancer Society branch and ask for recommendations. A counselor who deals with Cancer patients seems in order.

    Please let us know what you discover. While none of us here face those same issues, the more we know the more we can help the next person.

    Marie who loves kitties
  • SisterSledge
    SisterSledge Member Posts: 332 Member
    #9
    blessick said:

    consumer 50 yrs old, had
    consumer 50 yrs old, had suicidal incidents in the past, psyc hospital in May. In general good health. Tumor found in sigmoid colon area almost completely blocking colon. Had Ct scan on Tuesday. Will see surgeon for the results of that on Friday.
    My major concern is the medical profession has a hard time understanding the combo platter of the deafness with the mental illness. When surgeon and I tried show him pictures of colonoscopy he stated I know that's not me, God told me that's not me.
    I have worked with this person for over 17 years, but I am stumped about, what to do. Already thinks the psycotropic drugs that he is on are poisoning him, what will happen when he actualy starts getting drugs that are poison.

    Do we want him to understand this disease and what the odds are? So many questions and don't know where to look for the answers.

    as an artist
    I often explain things with drawings, diagrams and graphs...for me visual helps a lot in understanding and in conveying meaning to another. I would guess the patient's comment "that's not me" means he knows those pictures you are showing him are not of his body but of someone else...perhaps it confuses him and he can't relate the pics to himself. You might get better results by actually drawing in comic form the details of his organs, how they are being affected and what needs to occur to help him. The drawings, graphs, whatever don't have to be "art" or even "good"...but they will make him feel like they are about HIM and he may get your meanings.

    Janine
  • pete43lost_at_sea
    pete43lost_at_sea Member Posts: 3,900 Member
    #10
    you are a caring soul
    your patient,

    needs a small miracle, oncologists are not know as great communicators generally.

    the doctor has to treat the patient and prexisting conditions count alot.

    my tip is bring the worst parts of your patients file, that show mental history and make sure the onc knows the full score before they accept the patient.

    get a second opinion if possible, pick the onc with the most compassion. see if the onc wants to talk to the patients shrink ? i would think that conversation critical.

    hugs,
    pete
  • thxmiker
    thxmiker Member Posts: 1,278 Member
    #11
    Sometimes not knowing one's
    Sometimes not knowing one's illness can be their own bliss.
    Is it not better to keep someone has comfortable as possible for as long as possible? I would speak with a Pharmacist what are all of the interactions of drugs, etc... to assess risks.

    At what risk is there to everyone else to try and help a person like this? We have a responsibility to protect all of our citizens. (Including our medical providers.)

    I guess this is why I am an Audio Engineer and not a public servant.

    Best Always, mike
  • tootsie1
    tootsie1 Member Posts: 5,044 Member
    #12
    Tough
    Goodness! This is a dilemma. I think maybe doing more of the explaining to the parents is the best you can do here. I just don't know, but I admire the way you care for your client.

    *hugs*
    Gail

Discussion Boards