Pre hospice meeting with doctor and family

sarahjm
sarahjm Member Posts: 2
in Ovarian Cancer #1
Pre-hospice meeting with doctor and family this Friday and I have been appointed as the one to find out what we should be asking. My Mother-in-law is 70 years old, had surgery and chemo last year for stage 3-c ovarian cancer. It has returned and they have her on gemcitabine and cerplatin 2 weeks on, 1 week off. The doctor says she can live a long life, but will not give us a definition of long or what kind of life if she will constantly be on chemo. What are the things we need to know and what should we be asking? Thanks for any advice you can give us.

Comments

  • kellyh33
    kellyh33 Member Posts: 287
    #2
    Hospice
    Hello Sarah,
    First let me say how sorry I am for the journey you are on with your mother-in-law. I know how sad and scary it can be. I lost my mother to this beast in August.
    Often the doctors want you to meet with hospice or pallivative care care because they want to help manage the symptoms. It does not mean that they expect her to go into hospice soon. Find out from your m-i-l what is bothering her and there are different meds to help with different symptoms. Now would also be a good time to see if the time comes what her thoughts are on as far as going to hospice or staying home.
    We were able to keep Mom at home and it was relatively easy. Mom passed away in the bedroom that she slept in for 38 years. It was less intrusive and far more comfortable for her.
    Good luck,
    Kelly
  • Cafewoman53
    Cafewoman53 Member Posts: 735 Member
    #3
    Sorry you are here
    This is a great place for info but it is sad you have to be here. I am a bit younger than your mil but in the same position. Don't give up hope just because you are talking to hospice. After a reoccurrence it is automatically considered palliative care. many women live many years after they reoccur . I would sit with your mil and ask her what she wants to know, write down her concerns and any questions you may have. I have no experience yet but someone I know passed away last nite in her home under hospice care and from what I saw it was very unintrusive and quite the family experience. She passed peacefully surrounded by friends and family .
    Colleen

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