When three generations fall ill simultaneously

Abstract

Introduction: Disease may be a cause or consequence of loss of family homeostasis. The general practitioner plays a special role in identifying family risk factors and recognizing resources and coping strategies during illness. This may be difficult when several family members are ill simultaneously. Case description: A. is a 37 year-old, Caucasian female, belonging to a nuclear family, in phase IV of the Duvall cycle. In May 2012, after the birth of her second child, she experienced sweating, weakness and weight loss. Four months later, she experienced evening fever and cough. She presented to the Family Health Unit in November and was referred for diagnostic tests. She was then referred to the Hematology Service of a local hospital. In December the diagnosis of non-Hodgkin lymphoma was made. A. was hospitalized several times for chemotherapy and her daughters remained in the care of her husband. The husband performed many required tasks and assumed all parental responsibility, minimizing the effects of the absence of the mother. In January, A.’s mother, was diagnosed with colorectal cancer and was admitted for surgery in the same hospital. Referral to the same hospital allowed visits between mother and daughter. On February, the eldest daughter aged 6 years had ENT surgery and the 9 month-old daughter had difficulty sitting. In June, A. completed her chemotherapy and the 13-month old daughter still had delayed motor and language development. Comment: The health care team, in order to maintain family function and minimize the impact of several diseases on the family, sought to mobilize and manage existing resources and empower different family members in developing new skills.