Hospice

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rmitchell
rmitchell Member Posts: 94
in Esophageal Cancer #1
Oncologist has said Don has 6 to 8 months left to live. Maybe a year. When should I contact Hospice? They have called me but I haven't set up a meeting with them. At this time we are trying to manage Don's pain.
Reba

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  • Unknown
    Unknown
    #2
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    This comment has been removed by the Moderator
  • unclaw2002
    unclaw2002 Member Posts: 599
    #3
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    Hi Reba,
    If Don is no longer
    Hi Reba,

    If Don is no longer pursuing Chemo and/or radiation then you should be eligible for Hospice care. I second Sherry - call them early. They are wonderful, they help you with special equipment, beds home infusions, they provide training to the family, they offer counseling to help the patient and caregivers. They were amazing - if we needed a new medicine or the medications were causing a problem or not doing a job they got us a replacement right away. They also were kind and got to know the family - they would chat with us, with dad and always had a smile. The nurses and doctors really make it possible to keep your dignity and determine what happens with your care.

    Speak to several if you have a choice in your area. I know that some are better than others and get references if you have the choice. In any event Hospice gave us all the ability to make dad's last days free from pain, and surrounded by those he loved.

    Enjoy your days with each other they are precious.

    Best,
    Cindy
  • Faithful_Angel
    Faithful_Angel Member Posts: 86
    #4
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    It's Never Too soon
    I've been absent from the boards for a long time. Due to caring for my dad but I saw your post and just had to say. It is never too soon to get Hospice involved. We got hospice in about 7 months ago for my dad.

    They were such a great help especially in the last month *my dad just passed away two weeks ago* Hospice got to know him while he was pretty "Healthy" if you can call it that. He was high functioning up until the last week. So it was a very personal relationship that was built.

    In my opinion the earlier you can get them involved the better. Pain control is their priority. They want Quality, and they strive to get it for you.

    We Had minimal interaction, a nurse would come in once a week and if I needed anything else I would call and withing a day many times hours to minutes someone would come and make sure things were ok.

    At the end I wouldn't have been able to make it without them matter of fact the social worker came for visit the day my dad died, she was actually sitting down here talking to me and my mom, it was time for his medicine I went up and she came up just to see that he was comfortable, He had passed away while she was there. I never had to do anything she handled everything..

    What I'm trying to say Please do contact them and get them involved so you have a chance to build that important relationship with them and the trust, Before it gets critical.

    Best wishes
    Valerie
  • jojoshort
    jojoshort Member Posts: 230 Member
    #5
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    Call now
    Yes, they are pain and symptom management experts. Hospice nurses have a "calling", not a job. They will help you through this in ways that your oncologist isn't equipped to do.

    The sooner, the better. Hospice rocks!
    Jo-Ann
  • chemosmoker
    chemosmoker Member Posts: 501
    #6
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    CALL NOW! As said....
    Reba,
    Hospice's specialty is going to be managing Don's pain so you don't even have to call/ask/pay for meds anymore.

    Call them NOW. We did and I may live for months or years yet.

    God bless,
    -Eric
  • LeeinLondon
    LeeinLondon Member Posts: 103
    #7
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    chemosmoker said:

    CALL NOW! As said....
    Reba,
    Hospice's specialty is going to be managing Don's pain so you don't even have to call/ask/pay for meds anymore.

    Call them NOW. We did and I may live for months or years yet.

    God bless,
    -Eric

    my thoughts
    I just "signed up" with the hospice but the representative and the IET (interactive energy therapy) that came to our home were very welcoming and sincere.

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