Reflections on the Betrayal of the Body and Other Common Spiritual Wounds of People Dying From Cancer Receiving Hospice Care

Abstract

My training as a thanatologist began during Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) on the pediatric oncology unit of Memorial Sloan Kettering Medical Center in New York City. I became board certified to provide spiritual care to those who were ill and/or dying. I learned about death, dying, and bereavement during my clinical practice. In hospice and palliative care, I worked with physical therapists (PTs) on an interdisciplinary team. On the National Council of Hospice and Palliative Professionals, as the Section Leader for Spiritual Caregivers, I served with the Section Leaders for PTs. From the bedsides to the board room, I have appreciated the spiritual care of the practice of PTs—although often they have not been aware that it was spiritual care they were providing. These reflections are intended as encouragements for PTs, not to change their professional practices but to appreciate that the skills that PTs already possess could include a spiritual aim. This would be true both for their “patients” and for the others who compose the Unit of Care (which in hospice means both the “patient” and his or her family and/or the support system). Many spiritual injuries befall those with a cancer diagnosis and those who would provide care for them. The most significant of the resultant spiritual wounds are consequent to their experience of their bodies betraying them. Being able to bring a spiritual intention to the application of the skills PTs already possess promotes the healing of these invisible wounds, thus easing the spirit of the person who is dying from cancer.