Pinar Sercekus Ak
Pamukkale University, Turkey
Title: Being a family caregiver of cancer patients: Autoethnographic study
Biography
Biography: Pinar Sercekus Ak
Abstract
Autoethnography implies that researchers centre their studies on their own selves, their thoughts and feelings rather than focusing exclusively on others. Autoethnography author will present their own experiences rather than those of others. In this study, author will present this autoethnography study in which she will share her personal experience as relative of a patient whose father was diagnosed with esophageal cancer. Cancer is a difficult disease that affects patients and their families. The most important informal caregivers of cancer patients are family members. In the process of giving care, family members live in many physiological, psychological and social problems. Cancer is changing the daily lives of both patients and family members and increasing stress. Family caregivers suffer from headaches, insomnia, etc., depending on the stress they experience during the care process. In addition to caregivers suffer from headaches, insomnia, etc., depending on the stress they experience during the care process. Caregivers are experiencing shock, anxiety, weakness, irritability and fear of losing a loved one. Caregivers try to hide their feelings from the patient and avoid talking about the disease. Family members are not adequately supported by health personnel in this process. They expect to receive more information, be treated better and be given psychological support both on their own and in patients.