Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

BuelahWitch

(9,083 posts)
Wed Apr 27, 2016, 01:17 PM Apr 2016

I am officially in hospice

I talked with a representative of the hospice company last week and made the decision to discontinue my cancer treatment. My life might last longer, but at what physical cost? I'm never going to be cured, and the drug he wanted to place me on next would have made me very sick and compromised my immune system. My doc didn't give me too much of a fight, thank goodness, and the nurse and representative came to have me do paperwork yesterday.

Some people might think I am "giving up," but I see it as a move toward my freedom. In any case, I was sicker than a dog for the past two days (partly due to anxiety), but today I almost feel back to my old self. I am not planning to die anytime soon, I just want to be comfortable in the time leading up to my next adventure.

12 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
I am officially in hospice (Original Post) BuelahWitch Apr 2016 OP
Sounds like a smart move to me, my dear BeulahWitch! CaliforniaPeggy Apr 2016 #1
Best wishes to you! n/t PoliticAverse Apr 2016 #2
Wishing you well LiberalEsto Apr 2016 #3
Oh, BuelahWitch polly7 Apr 2016 #4
Good to know BuelahWitch Apr 2016 #6
I'm glad for that. polly7 Apr 2016 #7
It's definitely not giving up. I admire your spirit. Hoyt Apr 2016 #5
i am a hospice volunteer and was reminded the other day mopinko Apr 2016 #8
Good for you,, glad it's an alternative Tab Apr 2016 #9
Oh my goodness yes! BuelahWitch Apr 2016 #11
Glad to see you here. Duppers May 2016 #12
You just do what you need to do. Those of us who may be making the same decision and those who ... marble falls Apr 2016 #10

CaliforniaPeggy

(152,443 posts)
1. Sounds like a smart move to me, my dear BeulahWitch!
Wed Apr 27, 2016, 01:21 PM
Apr 2016

Your goal is quality of life, rather than quantity. Of course quantity matters, but not at the expense of quality.

It IS a move towards your freedom. I hope very much that you will remain comfortable. And there are medications that will aid you being just that.

polly7

(20,582 posts)
4. Oh, BuelahWitch
Wed Apr 27, 2016, 01:44 PM
Apr 2016


I'm sending best vibes for you to be free of pain and for peace with this next part of your journey, and the support and company of those you care most about. Your spirit is wonderful to see, and inspiring. I've worked with hospice pts. in the past and know you'll receive the compassionate and loving care to help you along in your adventure.

Much love to you.



BuelahWitch

(9,083 posts)
6. Good to know
Wed Apr 27, 2016, 01:51 PM
Apr 2016

The ones I've met already are fantastic. I feel like I've made a good decision.

polly7

(20,582 posts)
7. I'm glad for that.
Wed Apr 27, 2016, 01:55 PM
Apr 2016

They will take very good care of you. Don't be afraid to ask anything of them .... no matter what it is.

mopinko

(71,952 posts)
8. i am a hospice volunteer and was reminded the other day
Wed Apr 27, 2016, 04:06 PM
Apr 2016

that death is not a defeat for hospice. a good death is our whole goal.
when someone with no family has a volunteer sitting at their bedside so they wont be alone, that is a victory.
when someones pain is out of control and we can bring them in and get them settled, that is a victory.
when we can make someone comfortable until it is their time, that is a victory.

they will take good care of you. where i work they are so great with the patients and the families.

best of luck on your journey. may you have peace and good pain control.

Tab

(11,093 posts)
9. Good for you,, glad it's an alternative
Thu Apr 28, 2016, 05:00 PM
Apr 2016

I had a lot of conversations about stopping treatment before going into hospice but like you the experience under chemo was worse than whatever "quantity of life" I was getting with chemo. Being free helps me go with a clear mind (so to speak) and some functionality. If I was still on chemo I doubt I'd be able to drive to the store, take the garbage out, or meet a friend for lunch.

You can always get off hospice if you want, but I'm much happier being in hospice and suspect you will too.

Wishing you the best for yourself. Sorry I missed the original post but I've been off email the last two days more or less.

Hugs

BuelahWitch

(9,083 posts)
11. Oh my goodness yes!
Fri Apr 29, 2016, 12:25 AM
Apr 2016

I feel like a big burden has been lifted from me and I have much more piece of mind. Glad you are having a good experience too, Tab. You deserve it.

Duppers

(28,260 posts)
12. Glad to see you here.
Mon May 9, 2016, 04:13 AM
May 2016

I had just posted to a thread you began asking how you are doing.

Good to hear you're coping.

marble falls

(62,518 posts)
10. You just do what you need to do. Those of us who may be making the same decision and those who ...
Thu Apr 28, 2016, 10:52 PM
Apr 2016

love you will understand and not bother you with their opinions even if they don't understand or agree with your decision. Everyone deserves dignity in life and dignity as life ends.

Latest Discussions»Support Forums»End of Life Issues»I am officially in hospic...