living with chronic illness -L9

Question 1

What is cancer? And what are survivors at risk of?

Answer 1

Generic term for large group of diseases characterised by growth of abnormal cells beyond their usual boundaries that that invade other parts of the body and spread to other organs
30-50% can be preventing by lifestyle changes e.g. smoking, PA

Survivors at risk of :

• Cancer reoccurrence
• Sleep disturbance
• Depression
• Pain

Question 2

What are limitations of stage models that describe what people with chronic illness go through?

Answer 2

• Not generalisable to all diseases
• Not linear (ppl go through stages diff)
• 2 stages might occur at same time (e.g bargain and anger)
• Not all of them are always experienced

Question 3

Stage model of what ppl experience when diagnosed

Answer 3

1. uncertainty- understand meaning of symptoms
2. disruption- realise symptoms and severity, get high stress and high level of dependence on others
3. Strive for recovery- try gain some control over illness through active coping
4. restoration on wb- accept illness and consequences

Question 4

What are responses to treatment?

Answer 4

1. treatment successful=
   - Emo ambivalence- some pos emotions
   - feel vulnerable and abandoned
   - fear of reoccurrence
2. treatment unsuccessful
   - emo and existential crisis
   - shock, anger, fear, acceptance, loss of dignity

Question 5

What are two coping strategies

Answer 5

1. Problem focused coping- Use social support resources or plan how to deal with problem
2. Acceptance-focused coping- Accept things as they are, reinterpret in a positive light

Question 6

What is the effect of physical activity?

Answer 6

Interval training has been found to have a large improvement in physical functioning of cancer patients
study-3000 participants (exercise or control), PA improved body image, self esteem, emotional wellbeing and anxiety/pain

Question 7

What are the effects (pos/neg) on family members (parents/siblings)

Answer 7

Pos:
-strengthen relationships, improve communication, personal growth
Neg:
-inflexible daily routine, quick mood changes, lack of spontaneity

Parents- psyc and emo demands, unique parenting role, judgemental society

Siblings: pos and challenging impacts, increased roles and responsibilities, less parent attention