Hospice care

MaripositaII · 02-08-2006

How does that work? I'm so exhausted today that I don't have the energy to research this. The doctor told my sister that is her best option right now... He also said she's a stage 4 cancer which I guess means 'pack your bags?'

Both son and hubby are home sick with the flu. Just what I need

TAPPY · 02-08-2006

Hospice care

I am sure there are a lot of other websites that have good info on them, but this is one that I have used before to get info.

Softy57 · 02-08-2006

So sorry to hear this. P.M. me with questions,anytime.Hospice allowed Mom to stay as clear headed as possible till the end,avoid undue pain,and supported me well after the end. In my case[I'm an only child] it was a life-saver and life -line. They are kind and compassionate.Will help with children's understanding of events,the sooner the better if stage 4...I am crying for you now Mari,but praying will be of more use.Will do.

Great site Tappy!!

xqqzme · 02-08-2006

Haven't experienced them but saw an excellent documentary on hospice. From what I hear they provide an excellent support system for the family and still provide you with very clear concise info about what to expect. But how nice to be able to offer a loved one the option of 'comfort care' to control their pain as much as possible and yet keep them in a loving family environment. I think it's wonderful and I wished we had done this with my dad instead of keeping him in the hospital.
Good luck and my thoughts are with you.

MaripositaII · 02-08-2006

Thanks for the link and also for your kinds words everyone. Will Hospice still be an option if sis doesn't have medical insurance? She's 44, married to a German but is an American citizen. She was here for my father's funeral and never returned. She would have free medical in Germany but wants to die in the US where her family are.

I've been dealing pretty well with my father's death, and I'm so happy that he passed away before we found this out because it surely would have killed him (in a different way). Thankfully, sis does not have children so we don't have to deal with that aspect.

I think I'm still in shock. Every day I go to see her and I'm fine, but as the days go by it's beginning to sink in and I dread another funeral...you guys will be hearing a lot from me in the coming months so be prepared!

cheezhead · 02-08-2006

I am a hospice nurse for a nonprofit hospice in WI. We have provided care for people without insurance, and have set them up with a "community care" fund that we have for that purpose. If a hospice referral has been made, the hospice staff can come and do a "consult" before the decision is made to admit to hospice. The funding part will depend on the hospices available in your area. The nonprofit hospices usually seem to be more accomodating to those in need financially than the for-profit groups.
Hospice is also a medicare/medicaid benefit. I don't know if your sister qualifies for either of those, but the hospice staff would be able to help sort through her options.
Even though I don't know you, my thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time. Let me know if you have any other questions that I could help you with.

MaripositaII · 02-08-2006

Thank you Cheez. We're supposed to meet with the Hospice person tomorrow to discuss my sister's options. I volunteered to be there since sis is on Morphine for pain, and though she appears to understand what's happening I'm not too sure she fully comprehends what's going on. Maybe she can...I won't decide for her, but at least be able to ask the questions she might not think of and then give her time to decide. We're in Oklahoma. This is all so new...I never thought I'd be dealing with a relative this young dying from cancer. My mum is 73 and we're always afraid she'll keel over from grief. Anyway, I'll see what I find out tomorrow.

Do they come to your home or you have to stay at a hospital while under their care Cheez?

cheezhead · 02-08-2006

Most of our patients are in their own homes. Sometimes we will admit someone to hospice in the hospital if they are expected to die very soon, and aren't able to go home because of no caregivers, or if they are having severe symptoms that haven't been controlled at home. Is your sister in the hospital?
-Ellen

louden48 · 02-08-2006

We had Hospice for my dad when he was dying of lung cancer. It was a Godsend! I'm so sorry to hear about your sister. Hospice will be a great support to you and your family. Our prayers continue to be with you and your family.

Christy

MaripositaII · 02-09-2006

One sister has come up with the idea that since this is stage 4 cancer and they're not offering chemo as an option, that we should consider having "Jacqueleyn" moved to Florida (Mayo) and get her into the research volunteer programme. Isn't that like being a guinea pig???

alwaysmissinpdc · 02-09-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by MaripositaII

One sister has come up with the idea that since this is stage 4 cancer and they're not offering chemo as an option, that we should consider having "Jacqueleyn" moved to Florida (Mayo) and get her into the research volunteer programme. Isn't that like being a guinea pig???

I can't speak specifically about colon cancer or the Mayo and it's research programs, but my bil's upcoming "mini bone marrow" (stem cell) transplant is part of a study at Johns Hopkins. Just because it is a study does not mean it's a new procedure. He doesn't feel like a guinea pig and is receiving excellent care. The level of monitoring and communication between patient and doctor is like nothing I have ever seen.

MWC · 02-09-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by MaripositaII

One sister has come up with the idea that since this is stage 4 cancer and they're not offering chemo as an option, that we should consider having "Jacqueleyn" moved to Florida (Mayo) and get her into the research volunteer programme. Isn't that like being a guinea pig???

That's one way of looking at it. But considering what the other option is -- hospice care -- I would be open to looking into it. You have previously said what doctor-hacks you have where you live. I certainly would not accept such a dire diagnosis from doctors who are not dealing with cancer treatments on a regular, successful basis.

What I had suggested earlier is that you guys contact the major cancer centers and see if there are any clinical trials going on that your sister could qualify for. You MIGHT find such listings through the American Cancer Society's website. Another good website is WebMD. Some of their message boards are fantastic. They have one that specializes in ColoRectal Cancer.

MaripositaII · 02-09-2006

MWC, you're right. Just today I came home saying that the doctors in this city aren't all that great otherwise they wouldn't be here. I've had some many misdiagnoses in this city that I lost count. I was actually diagnosed with a chronic health problem while living in Norway...Oklahoma docs were clueless and kept telling me everything was fine. 'Chicken shit' doctors is what a nun described them as...yeah, you saw right but she's from the Caribbean so I guess her language could be blamed on the colourful island's influence,lol This nun is about 62 and was told that she was having anxiety attacks. They kept sending her away, but one day while in Wisconsin she collapsed and was rushed to the ER. The woman was having a heart attack! She almost died from that attack, and has since refused to have care in this State. She always flys out to other cities to get her checkups.

It's been a trying day, sorry if I have any errors and don't make sense. Thanks guys.

NorthMinnesota · 02-09-2006

I'm so sorry to hear about your sister. If hospice care is her option I have only very good things to say about the program. They were wonderful when my dad was dying of cancer. These people are truly angels helping everyone involved. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

TAPPY · 02-09-2006

Did you not say that you lived in Oklahoma ? (cant remember)

Oklahoma has an excellent cancer treatment center for colon cancer. My coworker, who has a very aggressive colon cancer that has all ready spread to his liver (it sounds like what you said your sister had) was referred to Cancer Treatment Centers of America in Oklahoma and they are doing some pretty heavy stuff with him. He did lots of research (went to MD Anderson in Houston) and talked to MANY MANY doctors before he decided to go this route. He flys back and forth every other week for treatment.

He is 45 and has a 5 year old son and he wants to fight with all he has, even if it just gives him some more time, and not a cure.

Maybe worth giving them a call.

02-08-2006	#1 (permalink)
MaripositaII añejo Join Date: Sep 2005 Posts: 3,724	Hospice care How does that work? I'm so exhausted today that I don't have the energy to research this. The doctor told my sister that is her best option right now... He also said she's a stage 4 cancer which I guess means 'pack your bags?' Both son and hubby are home sick with the flu. Just what I need

02-08-2006	#3 (permalink)
Softy57 añejo Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Massachusetts,U.S.A. Posts: 1,700	So sorry to hear this. P.M. me with questions,anytime.Hospice allowed Mom to stay as clear headed as possible till the end,avoid undue pain,and supported me well after the end. In my case[I'm an only child] it was a life-saver and life -line. They are kind and compassionate.Will help with children's understanding of events,the sooner the better if stage 4...I am crying for you now Mari,but praying will be of more use.Will do. Great site Tappy!! Last edited by Softy57; 02-08-2006 at 09:17 PM. Reason: add

02-08-2006	#5 (permalink)
MaripositaII añejo Join Date: Sep 2005 Posts: 3,724	Thanks for the link and also for your kinds words everyone. Will Hospice still be an option if sis doesn't have medical insurance? She's 44, married to a German but is an American citizen. She was here for my father's funeral and never returned. She would have free medical in Germany but wants to die in the US where her family are. I've been dealing pretty well with my father's death, and I'm so happy that he passed away before we found this out because it surely would have killed him (in a different way). Thankfully, sis does not have children so we don't have to deal with that aspect. I think I'm still in shock. Every day I go to see her and I'm fine, but as the days go by it's beginning to sink in and I dread another funeral...you guys will be hearing a lot from me in the coming months so be prepared! Last edited by MaripositaII; 02-08-2006 at 10:04 PM.

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02-08-2006	#2 (permalink)
TAPPY añejo Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Louisiana Posts: 15,143	Hospice care I am sure there are a lot of other websites that have good info on them, but this is one that I have used before to get info.

02-08-2006	#4 (permalink)
xqqzme añejo Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Las Vegas and St George Posts: 4,811	Haven't experienced them but saw an excellent documentary on hospice. From what I hear they provide an excellent support system for the family and still provide you with very clear concise info about what to expect. But how nice to be able to offer a loved one the option of 'comfort care' to control their pain as much as possible and yet keep them in a loving family environment. I think it's wonderful and I wished we had done this with my dad instead of keeping him in the hospital. Good luck and my thoughts are with you.

02-08-2006	#6 (permalink)
cheezhead lost on fifth Join Date: Oct 2005 Posts: 11	I am a hospice nurse for a nonprofit hospice in WI. We have provided care for people without insurance, and have set them up with a "community care" fund that we have for that purpose. If a hospice referral has been made, the hospice staff can come and do a "consult" before the decision is made to admit to hospice. The funding part will depend on the hospices available in your area. The nonprofit hospices usually seem to be more accomodating to those in need financially than the for-profit groups. Hospice is also a medicare/medicaid benefit. I don't know if your sister qualifies for either of those, but the hospice staff would be able to help sort through her options. Even though I don't know you, my thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time. Let me know if you have any other questions that I could help you with.

02-08-2006	#7 (permalink)
MaripositaII añejo Join Date: Sep 2005 Posts: 3,724	Thank you Cheez. We're supposed to meet with the Hospice person tomorrow to discuss my sister's options. I volunteered to be there since sis is on Morphine for pain, and though she appears to understand what's happening I'm not too sure she fully comprehends what's going on. Maybe she can...I won't decide for her, but at least be able to ask the questions she might not think of and then give her time to decide. We're in Oklahoma. This is all so new...I never thought I'd be dealing with a relative this young dying from cancer. My mum is 73 and we're always afraid she'll keel over from grief. Anyway, I'll see what I find out tomorrow. Do they come to your home or you have to stay at a hospital while under their care Cheez?

02-08-2006	#8 (permalink)
cheezhead lost on fifth Join Date: Oct 2005 Posts: 11	Most of our patients are in their own homes. Sometimes we will admit someone to hospice in the hospital if they are expected to die very soon, and aren't able to go home because of no caregivers, or if they are having severe symptoms that haven't been controlled at home. Is your sister in the hospital? -Ellen

02-08-2006	#9 (permalink)
louden48 Hillbilly Chica Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Hot Springs, Arkansas Posts: 1,889	We had Hospice for my dad when he was dying of lung cancer. It was a Godsend! I'm so sorry to hear about your sister. Hospice will be a great support to you and your family. Our prayers continue to be with you and your family. Christy

02-09-2006	#10 (permalink)
MaripositaII añejo Join Date: Sep 2005 Posts: 3,724	One sister has come up with the idea that since this is stage 4 cancer and they're not offering chemo as an option, that we should consider having "Jacqueleyn" moved to Florida (Mayo) and get her into the research volunteer programme. Isn't that like being a guinea pig???

02-09-2006	#13 (permalink)
MaripositaII añejo Join Date: Sep 2005 Posts: 3,724	MWC, you're right. Just today I came home saying that the doctors in this city aren't all that great otherwise they wouldn't be here. I've had some many misdiagnoses in this city that I lost count. I was actually diagnosed with a chronic health problem while living in Norway...Oklahoma docs were clueless and kept telling me everything was fine. 'Chicken shit' doctors is what a nun described them as...yeah, you saw right but she's from the Caribbean so I guess her language could be blamed on the colourful island's influence,lol This nun is about 62 and was told that she was having anxiety attacks. They kept sending her away, but one day while in Wisconsin she collapsed and was rushed to the ER. The woman was having a heart attack! She almost died from that attack, and has since refused to have care in this State. She always flys out to other cities to get her checkups. It's been a trying day, sorry if I have any errors and don't make sense. Thanks guys.

02-09-2006	#14 (permalink)
NorthMinnesota añejo Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Minnesota Posts: 5,600	I'm so sorry to hear about your sister. If hospice care is her option I have only very good things to say about the program. They were wonderful when my dad was dying of cancer. These people are truly angels helping everyone involved. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

02-09-2006	#15 (permalink)
TAPPY añejo Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Louisiana Posts: 15,143	Did you not say that you lived in Oklahoma ? (cant remember) Oklahoma has an excellent cancer treatment center for colon cancer. My coworker, who has a very aggressive colon cancer that has all ready spread to his liver (it sounds like what you said your sister had) was referred to Cancer Treatment Centers of America in Oklahoma and they are doing some pretty heavy stuff with him. He did lots of research (went to MD Anderson in Houston) and talked to MANY MANY doctors before he decided to go this route. He flys back and forth every other week for treatment. He is 45 and has a 5 year old son and he wants to fight with all he has, even if it just gives him some more time, and not a cure. Maybe worth giving them a call.

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