There are many chronic illnesses. A major one is cancer, specifically thyroid cancer. One character that is shown to be struggling with thyroid cancer as a chronic disease is in the film and novel, The Fault in Our Stars. The protagonist, Hazel Grace Lancaster is diagnosed with terminal thyroid cancer, and the story sets out with the cancer having spread to her lungs. She is a Caucasian female who is possibly around high school or college age. Because of the terminal thyroid cancer, she has, she must walk around with an oxygen tank to be able to breathe. There are multiple factors that contribute to her risk of thyroid cancer. One example is support. Her parents are very supportive to her and are very involved in her treatments and wanting …show more content…
One approach that would benefit Hazel would be cognitive behavioral therapy. Attending therapy would be beneficial apart from medication because it would allow her to have one on one conversations with someone that she can learn to be comfortable with. This would be just as beneficial as taking medication because it would also provide the same benefits. This would motivate her to join groups with people that have the same interests as her and would allow her to befriend people outside of her cancer support group. Another example of people who provide her support aside from her parents is her friendships with two other characters from the cancer support named Augustus Waters and Isaac. Augustus and Isaac towards the end of the book later become her closest friends, which helps to increase her social support system. Lastly, cognitive behavior therapy would be beneficial because it would teach her behaviors that would motivate her to do more things that she …show more content…
For example, taking medications like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or other mood stabilizers would most likely improve her outlook on her cancer diagnosis and increase her motivation to move towards more positive behaviors, such as giving her more energy to try activities that would increase her social circle or just in general would give her motivation to do more self-pleasuring activities. However, this would have to be a last resort and it might cause more harm than good for Hazel. This is because although rare, there are some cases of antidepressants causing hypothyroidism (a condition where the thyroid doesn’t produce enough hormones) which would cause more complications for her because of her thyroid
Honestly, all the treatment plans in the world may fix a problem but there will always be a reoccurrence if support from friends and family is not provided. For instance, going through family therapy is a positive option to choose from when trying to treat a disorder. Also with outside influences contributing to Brandy’s disorder, there is a limited chance she will recover completely. For example, societal pressures from coworkers contribute to her prognosis alongside her parents influence. Brandy’s family environment is rather negative considering her mom’s own personal weight issue and her father’s sexual overtones. In conclusion, if Brandy does recover, there is a high chance she will have a relapse and turn to her previous pathways. However, there is always hope she overcomes her issues after treatment and eventually find a supportive base of
Being diagnosed with a chronic illness is a life-altering event. During this time, life is not only difficult for the patient, but also for their loved ones. Families must learn to cope together and to work out the best options for the patient and the rest of the family. Although it may not be fair at times, things may need to be centered on or around the patient no matter what the circumstance. (Abbott, 2003) Sacrifices may have to be made during difficult times. Many factors are involved when dealing with chronic illnesses. Coping with chronic illnesses alter many different emotions for the patients and the loved ones. Many changes occur that are very different and difficult to get used to. (Abbott, 2003) It is not easy for someone to sympathize with you when they haven’t been in the situation themselves. No matter how many books they read or people they talk to, they cannot come close to understanding.
The Fault In Our Stars is a novel by author John Green. The story followed the leading character, Hazel Grace Lancaster, as the she battled cancer. Not simply did Hazel want to live the normal life of a 16-year-old girl, but she additionally struggled with what it would probably be like for her parents after she passed away. While Hazel attended a church support class for cancer survivors, she met a boy that was one year older than her, Augustus Waters. While Augustus had a kind of cancer that caused him to lose his leg in addition to wear a prosthetic, it also had a survival rate that was much higher compared to Hazel's.
in the first place and was suffering from other major illnesses. The society does not
Today in America thyroid disease is becoming a much larger issue and the worse part of this problem is that many people are not yet diagnosed. This is due to the lack of education and awareness about thyroid disease. There are many different types of diseases but the one that I am passionate about is hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism, or underactive thyroid is when the thyroid is no longer able to produce triiodothyronine, also known as T3 and thyroxine, also referred to as T4. Some of the symptoms include unexpected weight gain, tiredness, depression, or slow movements and thoughts. Most of the time many people notice the way that their bodies act on what they are feeling to their physicians. Many Americans struggle with this disease that
One of the main themes of this novel is the fight against cancer. All three of the main characters struggle with cancer. Hazel struggles with her terminal lung cancer, and Isaac has to have his eyes removed because of cancer. Augustus, who has already lost a leg to Osteoscarcoma, struggles with his cancer returning. However, they all learn through this that their cancer does not control them. They still live their lives to the fullest that they can, and make the best of what they have.
One very special case can be displayed by none other than David Beckham, the famous international football star. He says that he has tried various treatments, but the biggest success came from learning to live with the disease (Healthguru, n.d.). His family is also very supportive of his condition, which shows how important family support is. Quoted by Victoria Beckham, his wife, “We've got three fridges - food in one, salad in another and drinks in the third. In the drinks one, everything is symmetrical. If there's three cans, he'll throw one away because it has to be an even number” (Frith,
I, myself, have suffered from hypothyroidism since I was 21 years old, and depression during my high school years. This disorder came to us by surprise since nobody in the family has a history of thyroid disorder. The age the disorder came about was probably the most shocking part that left even the doctor questioning the blood tests. But in the end, it was something that was going on inside of me that needed medical attention before it became it worse and symptoms would be more apparent. Such diagnosis has lead me to make certain decisions in my life such as exercising and eating the right
Our patient has 4 of the 5 risk factors: low HDL, high triglycerides, high fasting blood glucose, and central obesity. Because of this, she does seem to have metabolic syndrome. With metabolic syndrome concomitant disease states occur that the patient may have, including PCOS, and hypothyroidism.
It is evident that Lisa is subjected to medication and hospitalization for her treatment. However, this method of treatment was not effective for her, because despite her being hospitalized for the last eight years; she still does not take her medicine. Since for those eight years no significant changes have been made following her diagnosis, another mode of treatment would be advisable. I would recommend the self-help strategies. Although many healthcare providers overlook this treatment method, it seems to be very
There are many ways to categorize illness and disease; one of the most common is chronic illness. Many chronic illnesses have been related to altered health maintenance hypertension and cardiovascular diseases are associated with diet and stress, deficient in exercise, tobacco use, and obesity (Craven 2009). Some researchers define the chronic illness as diseases which have long duration and generally slow development (WHO 2013); it usually takes 6 month or longer than 6 month, and often for the person's life. It has a sluggish onset and eras of reduction for vanishing the symptoms and exacerbation for reappear the symptoms. Some of chronic illness can be directly life-threatening. Others remain over time and need intensive management, such as diabetes, so chronic illness affects physical, emotional, logical, occupational, social, or spiritual functioning. Chronic diseases, such as heart disease, stroke, cancer, chronic respiratory diseases and diabetes, all of these diseases are the cause of mortality in the world, representing 63% of all deaths. So a chronic illness can be stressful and may change the way a person l...
The uncertain nature of chronic illness takes many forms, but all are long-term and cannot be cured. The nature of chronic illness raises hesitation. It can disturb anyone, irrespective of demographics or traditions. It fluctuates lives and generates various inquiries for the patient. Chronic illness few clear features involve: long-lasting; can be managed but not cured; impacts quality of life; and contribute to stress. Chronic illnesses can be enigmatic. They often take considerable time to identify, they are imperceptible and often carry a stigma because there is little sympathetic or social support. Many patients receive inconsistent diagnoses at first and treatments deviate on an individual level. Nevertheless, some circumstances require
Therapy has long been thought of as taboo. In this paper, I will discuss the major forms of therapy and their characteristics along with the strategies that are also used. This essay will also cover examples of each disorder and show which therapeutic method is best used in caring for individual(s).
...e the cancer and look for the positives in the prognosis and treatment find encouragement for the future. There are various models and theories such as health belief model that are used to explain ones belief on risks and associated risks of a chronic illness and then there are theories such as Crisis theory when dealing with shock when diagnosed with a chronic illness and gate control theory when looking at pain and the psychological issues around dealing with pain. However even with various theories and models trying to explain crisis, pain and compliance to treatment the outcome and understanding and ultimately the way an individual deals with a chronic illness such a breast cancer falls very much down to self-efficacy and the belief the individual holds towards the illness itself the attitude and perception in the outcome of the illness, treatment and beyond.
"Coping Interventions for Parents of Children Newly Diagnosed with Cancer: An Evidence Review with Implications for Clinical Practice and Future Research.(Report)." - Pediatric Nursing. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Mar. 2014.