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this is a mean thing to ask but my mother's oncologist does not want us to contact hospice yet even after he said he would have to say to the inssurrance company she had only 6 months. is it possible he just wants to keep doing the chemo for profit? or experimentation i know that sounds mean but sometimes that is how i feel my mother still has burn scars from all the radiation from5 years ago i hate to see her so weak now if the end is going to be the same and also what could be making her so dizzyand unstable they were not able to do the chemo this week so she has had a week off i know i should not take up so much of your time but my computer has been my only way of getting any helpful advice
In Reply to: hospice posted by Genene stell on February 21, 2003 at 09:53:50:
Hi Genene,
I'm a hospice volunteer, so I can speak to your question a little. From what I've learned, many doctors are reluctant to provide an estimate of how long the patient has to live. They are in the business of curing people and it can be hard for them to let go. I would guess that your Mom's doctor is coming from this angle.
If your Mom thinks that hospice is the appropriate course at this time, then I would definitely contact the hospice directly for more information. For your Mom to enter hospice, her doctor will need to provide an estimate of how long she has to live and stop any aggressive and curative treatment, although palliative treatment can continue.
Too often doctors can advise patients to wait too long to enter hospice to the detriment of the patient and their family. Over the years, the average stay in hospice has gone down from 60 days to under 30 days. If a person is going to die, the longer they can spend in hospice, the easier the dying process will be for them and their caregivers. Hospice is a wonderful support organization that will provide invaluable support for your Mom and you.
My heart goes out to you and your Mom as you make these difficult choices. You have my best wishes.
Daisy
In Reply to: hospice posted by Genene stell on February 21, 2003 at 09:53:50:
Thanks, Genene.
In my opinion her "doc" should not be practicing medicine! He should be a lawyer or some other disreputable profession.
Listen to Daisy!
Who is this supposed to be about anyhow? It is about easing your mother's suffering-------NOT about the "doctor's" ego!!
Walt
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