[Truth at bedside in relation to poor prognosis. From the viewpoint of the hospital chaplain]

A few weeks ago the doctor informed me of a 35-year-old woman, who was being treated for cancer. The patient, a mother of two children, already has full metastasis. When the doctor did his visits, she asked him very clearly and directly about her condition, but he gave evasive answers. Afterwards he asked me: "What should I do? Am I allowed to tell her the truth, although there is nothing left to hope for?" I advised him to answer all her questions truly and honestly, and he did. We decided to accompany the patient in her struggles and difficulties. During that time we had very profound dialogues with her about her worries and anxieties. While grappling with the problem of death many people awaken to a deeper sense of life. My task in the hospital Pastoral Care is to be with the people in their questions, thoughts and complaints; to endure and share their weariness and difficulties, not to give superficial and trivial answers.