The experience of laryngectomized patients and their relatives in reacting to the consequences of radiotherapy

Abstract

The general purpose of this work was to describe the experience of laryngectomized patients and their relatives in dealing with radiotherapy efects. Nine laryngectomees who had been submitted to treatment within the past 12 months and seven relatives took part in the study. Data were collected from September 2001 to April 2002, and the collection was guided by a questionnaire with open and closed questions. Data were analyzed according to the frequency of the issues. Results showed that the most frequent and worst reactions to treatment were skin burns and assailment of the oropharynx. Some of the actions used to minimize them stemmed from cultural beliefs regarding treatment. The feelings about the treatment were fear, disbelief, indifference and of a traumatic experience. The relatives' difficulties in dealing with the experience were related to the increase in the caregivers' responsibilities, the lack of information for provision of support, the concern and discouragement about the patient's situation. The radiotherapy experience showed it to be a process that increases patients' suffering and that the information provided was insufficient, which led to inadequate actions.