Thoughts on Hospice

I have read every now and then that the person with cacner has decided to just let it run its course and be home when it ends. Yet, they don't want to talk about Hospice at home, I have some thoughts to pass along.
If you read my Bio, you will see I have multiple Medical issues that have both hendered me and kept me going.
But I am 49yrs old, the end stage of my battle with lung cancer which has mets to bone and brain now along with other parts of the body( but I havent given up), I have less than 30% now of my heart working, and suffer from mini-strokes, early onset Altzhiemers and Parkinsons. My chemo which I would do again advanced my brain atrophy.
When I had my 6th large Heart attack in Jan 09 the Doc said that there was to much damage and that since I have cancer on pallative care and still smoke he wasn't going to do anymore.
That Day we talk with the Doc and case worker and they told us to get me on Hospice because they could help with alot of the care and stressors associated with gong home to pass away. We decided yes, though we thought that I was at deaths door, isn't that why you go on Hospice.
Well we found out No, Hospice is fully paid by our insurance (also Medicare) and they take alot
of stress out of the whole ordeal. They check on me daily, and I can even go to my volunteering without any problem, they encourage you to live life to the fullest. I have been on Hospice for 9 months and they have taken care of all my medications, even having them delivered as well as my oxygen with no charge.They brought in a Hospital bed because I can't sleep flat anymore. I see my Nurse 3 times a week more if I need it , I have a CNA come in on the other days,the Doctor comes by regularly, my Case Worker and a Chaplin come by regularly and help with any thing we may need. Right now they are trying to find a way that my wife and I can go to Disneyland together because we can't afford it , it will probably be the last major trip we can take.
When we have bad days they are there, for support for both my wife and I, it is a great relief for my wife and I both.
They monitor my pain and heart and do what ever they can to make sure I am comfortable, without going against my wishes. They have help with information for my wife and what and how to prepare for the end and help with making the arrangements.
They are there to help us, we haven't paid one cent, but even if we had to pay some it would be worth it. My Nurse caught my 7th heart attack in action and contacted my Cardiologist who had me in the Hospital fixing the last 2 vains that feed my heart. If I need a simple x-ray for a fall, which I have had some, they have it done in our home.

I realize this is a subject that not to many want to talk about, but I hope I have given some useful info from first hand experience and that Hospice is not just for the very end.

Our Prayers and Best Wishes to all Survivors, Caregivers, and their Families,
Dan and Margi Harmon