Diagnosis, Prognosis and Caregiving: An Autoethnography

ABSTRACT

In this article, the complexity of the grieving process of the caregiver and her partner is discussed. Through an autoethnography, the author gives a voice to her personal story about her wife’s diagnosis of endometrial cancer, her prognosis and the specialized considerations of a lesbian couple in the health care system. In order to understand the experiences of a lesbian couple’s journey while interacting with the health care system, this autoethnography was written from a first-person perspective. Through the use of art, journal entries, and bicycle riding to navigate this journey, this unique study expands the conversation to include a systemic understanding of the effects of terminal illnesses on intimate relationships.

KEYWORDS:

• Autoethnography
• narrative
• illness
• lesbian
• discrimination
• healthcare
• art

Disclouser statement

The author declares that she has no competing interests.