calling in hospice for mom

reds1958

went to doctor friday an he said CT was not good for a year an a half now everything has stayed the same ct every 3 months 3 monthes ago she had 1 tumer on liver 7.5 by 8.5 cm. an alot in the lungs in three months large mass is now 9.2 x 8.4 an there are 3 more on liver an 1 on the adreanel gland 3.5 x 2.5. that was not there 3 monthes ago an all of them in lungs were 1mm an are now 2cm. doctor said it is time to call hospice to you think he is right. does that sound like it is starting to spread fast now any input would be great.

Barbara53

all the help you need
Hi Reds, sorry you're here. If the doctor says it's time for hospice, it is. My 80 year old mother also has mets in her lungs and liver, and I WISH her doctor would make a hospice referral. Instead we're waiting for a medical event or uncontrollable pain, whichever comes first. Mom wants to stay independent until the last possible second.

It's always best to get hospice in as soon as you can. They can step up services as they are needed, but meanwhile can help your mother get on with the natural process of dying, keeping her as comfortable as possible. It does sound like your mother is ready for comfort care, which in some ways is better than battling this terrible beast.

grandmafay

Hospice
I'm a firm believer that it is better to call hospice earlier rather than later. The 24/7 telephone number is worth it even if you don't feel you're ready for any other services. The other services are good, too. They are there to help everyone not just the patient. They are also the experts when it comes to pain control. Talk with them. Hospice doesn't mean you are giving up. It means that you are taking steps to make your mother as comfortable as possible. You can always stop services if it doesn't work out for you. Fay