Touching Lives through Palliative Care

Touching Lives through Palliative Care

– Ms. Maya Nair, Indore

When I look back on my life, I see a journey shaped by compassion and discipline. In 1989, I stepped into the Operation Theatre (OT) as a young nurse, and for more than 32 years, it was my world.

The sounds of instruments, the sterile discipline, and the focus of surgery became part of my heartbeat. But in that role, I rarely connected with patients personally.

Now, as a Palliative Care Nurse and Patient Educator, I realize how much I had missed. Even after decades in the OT, I sometimes wondered if I had wasted 32 years! The truth is, what I have learned in Palliative Care is far more about life, humanity, and healing than I ever did within the four walls of the OT.

Turning Point of My Life

The COVID pandemic became the real turning point. I worked from the very beginning to the very end of it, and those years showed me the many ways a nurse can provide comfort to patients and their families. It was then I began to understand the true meaning of grief and decided my life could not be confined to the OT alone.

My journey into Palliative Care began in 2021, guided by Dr. Pankaj Singhai. Initially, I knew nothing about it—what my role would be, the methods followed, or even the exact meaning of Palliative Care. However, after participating the Palliative Care Training Program for professionals from Cancer Treatment Centers in India (CTC), my perspective transformed completely.  I became a member of the Indian Association of Palliative Care (IAPC), attended several short courses in Palliative Care, and scored among the top 5 in the Certificate Course in Essentials of Palliative Care (CCEPC) examination.  I got the opportunity to successfully complete IAPC’s Foundation Course in the Physiotherapy- Palliative Care Interface, IAPC’s Foundation Course in the Essentials of Psychosocial Issues in Palliative Care, and ELNEC training. I attended the Annual International Conferences of Indian Association of Palliative Care (IAPCON) and presented posters in conferences.

Through IAPC, I became part of the Shankar Mahadevan Academy’s monthly music programs for patients, caregivers, and staff. These sessions became a source of joy for everyone. On one such day, I was warmly honored—a moment I continue to treasure as a gift from the world.

Memories Close to My Heart

Among the many patients I have cared for, the memory of an elderly cancer patient stays with me deeply. She was cared for with unconditional love by her husband,  despite their modest means. She was admitted several times, yet always welcomed me with a smile. Her last wish was to see her home completed, and with the doctor’s approval, she was taken there. She passed away peacefully, filled with gratitude. Her husband still visits us, carrying her memory with him.

Another memory closest to my heart is of a young girl paralyzed from the waist down. She developed painful bedsores and had a poor prognosis. Yet, we tried to fulfill her wishes, including celebrating her birthday, just two days before her passing. Her younger sister became her closest caregiver, almost like a twin. At the time of her last breath, I made sure that her sister was by her side to share those final moments. Later, I brought her home, letting her rest beside my child, before taking her back to her grieving family. Even today, she remains in touch with us, and we continue to support her in her studies.

Beyond Care

Whether curable or not, in Palliative Care we ensure care, guidance, psycho-social support, and training to patients and their families for managing symptoms.   We help families build confidence, assuring them that we will walk beside them through every situation.

Reflections

This journey has shown me that Palliative Care goes far beyond medicine. It is about compassion, dignity, and love during the most vulnerable phase of life. Our aim is not to add days to life, but to add life to days.

Sometimes I wonder why it took me so long to find this path. But then I remind myself that every step of my journey led me here.  Gratitude in a patient’s smile, the trust of families, and the little moments of peace we share remind me that this care is mutual. The true fulfillment lies in easing pain, creating moments of dignity and humanity, and sharing love until the very end.