update

ifalk
ifalk Member Posts: 29
in Esophageal Cancer #1
update
new
Just an update on hospice. They came in right away and took over on everything gave us everything we need and more. Jarrell is feeling and looking better than he has in months. They changed his medication regiment and he is up receiving vistors and looking forward to things again. Hard to believe this could all take place in a 48 hour period. Our son came from Orlando and is spending the weekend and Jarrell is actually sitting up having great conversations. our daughter, grandaughter, niece and children will arive in awhile to spend an hour and for the first time Jarrell actually feels he can handle this. Before he dreaded vistors.

As for me I feel like a ton of bricks lifted off me from the moment hospice arrived. What a great organazation. As my son says wow they are a well oiled machine. So for now we are doing well. I know things can change in a moment but I am no longer living for that moment I am living for the min hour day and enjoying the good times.

Ida

Comments

  • sangora
    sangora Member Posts: 213
    #2
    So Glad To Hear
    So glad to hear that things have improved and that your children and other family members are there for support and encouragement. Cherish these moments and live in them. Have a great weekend. Sam StageIV
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    #3
    This comment has been removed by the Moderator
  • unclaw2002
    unclaw2002 Member Posts: 599
    #4
    unknown said:

    This comment has been removed by the Moderator

    Most Insurance restricts the use of Hospice
    William,

    Unfortunately, with most medical plans in the US --- if someone is still receiving any type of treatment, chemo or radiation they cannot call in hospice even if they have been diagnosed as a Stage IV. It seems the medical establishment won't allow the assistance of Hospice until "all treatment has stopped". I have read many articles recently questioning the wisdom of this approach and urging medical providers to consider a coordinated approach, especially for Stage IV patients. I agree with you Hospice could really help so many folks, especially with pain management --- while getting chemo. But alas it is viewed as a last resort - one available only when you give up on everything else.

    Sorry, for my rant but when Dad was sick I thought why not bring hospice in now to help, even though he still was receiving chemo because the pain management became so difficult.

    Best,
    Cindy
  • ifalk
    ifalk Member Posts: 29
    #5
    unclaw2002 said:

    Most Insurance restricts the use of Hospice
    William,

    Unfortunately, with most medical plans in the US --- if someone is still receiving any type of treatment, chemo or radiation they cannot call in hospice even if they have been diagnosed as a Stage IV. It seems the medical establishment won't allow the assistance of Hospice until "all treatment has stopped". I have read many articles recently questioning the wisdom of this approach and urging medical providers to consider a coordinated approach, especially for Stage IV patients. I agree with you Hospice could really help so many folks, especially with pain management --- while getting chemo. But alas it is viewed as a last resort - one available only when you give up on everything else.

    Sorry, for my rant but when Dad was sick I thought why not bring hospice in now to help, even though he still was receiving chemo because the pain management became so difficult.

    Best,
    Cindy

    You are right
    Cindy

    You are right. Hospice can not come in untill all treatment is stopped. I think that is why this is such a hard disicion. For Jarrell the treatment was giving him no quality of life and he was so sick. My children and I backed him on whatever he decided. The day he said enough is enough the peace we all felt was unbelievable. Since hospice came in he looks acts and truly feels better. The last three mornings he has gotten up with the most gusto I have seen since his diagnosis. Maybe the treatments could have helped a little longer, but he really wasn't living. I have heard alot of stories how people held on and held on having treatments and at the end never got to enjoy there last days. Yes it is to bad that hospice can not come untill all treatments have stopped. I guess every patient must out weigh the good from the bad and believe me it is not a easy choice. For Jarrell and our family though it was the right choice and I will never regret this choice. because even if these last few days is all we have they were good ones. I am hopefull to have many more good ones. but if not at least we have these memories of Jarrell not being totaly miserable.
    Ida
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    #6
    unclaw2002 said:

    Most Insurance restricts the use of Hospice
    William,

    Unfortunately, with most medical plans in the US --- if someone is still receiving any type of treatment, chemo or radiation they cannot call in hospice even if they have been diagnosed as a Stage IV. It seems the medical establishment won't allow the assistance of Hospice until "all treatment has stopped". I have read many articles recently questioning the wisdom of this approach and urging medical providers to consider a coordinated approach, especially for Stage IV patients. I agree with you Hospice could really help so many folks, especially with pain management --- while getting chemo. But alas it is viewed as a last resort - one available only when you give up on everything else.

    Sorry, for my rant but when Dad was sick I thought why not bring hospice in now to help, even though he still was receiving chemo because the pain management became so difficult.

    Best,
    Cindy

    This comment has been removed by the Moderator
  • MissusB
    MissusB Member Posts: 111
    #7
    unknown said:

    This comment has been removed by the Moderator

    Great news, Ida!
    I am so glad to this news! Please keep us posted. I know this does your heart good.

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