I was asked to be an interpreter for this particular Indian Dr N. this afternoon. Kindly, I agreed without hesitation.
Dr N. said," Grace,can you help me break the news on behalf of me to Mr O. on his bone scan results two days ago? His bone scan result reveal that his tumor in his lung has metastasis to the bone around his shoulder,hip and knee. That's the reason why he is having pain continuously." Looking sadly at her, my mind turn blank. Mr O. was admitted after a fall at home. Persistent pain and cough brought him in to the hospital. He has a history of depression after he was diagnose CA(cancer) Lung few years ago. Looking at his history,how should I break this news to him in a nicer way as an interpreter? This was really a challenge and that was all I am thinking when Dr N. was updating me all his health condition. Putting myself in his shoe,I would definitely someone unable to accept the fact that my life is shortening day by day as the days goes by. After 15 mins of discussion, I walks toward him.
" Uncle! This is Dr N. your team Dr who is taking care of you. She just wants to update you a little of your medical condition after the bone scan that had done two days ago. Er...Your report shown that your tumor in your lung is getter smaller after the radiotherapy. However,unfortunately, Er.....the tumor cell has spread to the bone around your shoulder,hip...Er...and knee. Er....(I started to see tears controlling in his eye)...Er...(Pondering should i continue)...Tomorrow,the radiotherapist would be seeing you to discuss with you about the radiotherapy processes and side effects..." Looking at him, I knew this is going to be another blow to him. For no reason,I started to visualise an image of me being informed that I was diagnosed with cancer. In this image,I was totally sank in silent and sadness. Pinching my thigh,I'm back to reality. Thanks Goodness that was just an illusion.
Mr O. was totally lost that he was staring blankly at us speechlessly. I totally could understand how he feels. Reinforce to him not to worry as the health care team going to definitely help him through this painful process. He thanks us profusely despite the sadness. Speaking in English so as not to allow Mr O. understand our conversation,I asked," Is he really going to be cure even after the radiotherapy? Dr N. shake her head and replied," Incurable. We could only help him stop the pain as much as we could and the rest is up to him. His lung cancer prognosis is no good. Definitely it wont. We will refer him to palliative team to maximise the comfort we could provide for him." Back looking at him smiling patting at his shoulder gently,I told him,"You will be save! Not to worry. All you need to do is eat more and have more energy to exercise. You would definitely gets better."
However,I knew I told a lie......
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