My cancer is deteriorating and the hospital have said I have to go into a hospice. What I need to know is is it scary and will I like it? I'm getting sicker and sicker every day and the thought of hospices make me scared. Help me.
2006-09-27 07:39:08 · 26 answers · asked by Laura W 1 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Cancer
My father is also about to enter hospice care. Here are some web pages that I found beneficial. all the best
http://www.hospicenet.org/index.html
http://www.hospicenet.org/html/preparing_for.html
2006-09-27 07:42:56 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 5⤊ 0⤋
My dad went into a hospice and passed away there last year. I am suprised that you have not been given any contact from the hospice you are about to go into...my dads consultant at the hospice he went into came to see him at home several occasions after he was told it was terminal and came to visit him the day before he was admitted. I can only speak from my own personal experience...my dad was admitted, it kinda looked much like a hospital with carpets but on a smaller more cosy level. He was only in for a few short hours before taking everyone by suprise and drawing his last breath...in that time he was cared for, made welcome and comfortable and even given a gin and tonic!!! Hospices have such a bad rep as they are places where people go to pass away but some go in for respite to... I am glad my dad was in the hospice when he passed because they were far more understanding, attentive and caring than hospital had the time to ever be. It makes me feel so sad to hear you are scared and I do hope you are not alone during this time...I hope your last days are filled with peace and inner strength and that you are comforted by these words. They will take care of you before and after you pass with love and understanding that years of experience has given them and they will also support any family or friends that are left behind. Bless you, with love xx
2006-10-01 01:48:55 · answer #2 · answered by widow_purple 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I only wish my father could have had the chance of going into a hospice. Usually, hospices are full of specially trained staff and the Macmillan nurse are very helpful in cases where a stay in a hospice isn't possible, because they depend heavily on charitable contributions. If the hospital you are visiting has the facilities of the Macmillan nurses,(I don't know where you are) they should be your first course of enquiry. In any event, you have my deepest condolences and I hope you recover fully.
Have a look at the link below and rest easy in the knowledge that they will make your stay as comfortable as possible.
2006-09-29 03:54:48 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am so sorry to hear you have cancer. I am also a cancer patient but in remission. I had breast cancer and masectomy. At the moment doing okay. It would depend how much you can do for yourself. Have you got family looking after you? Are you alone. Taking this all into consideration should be able to help you make a decision. People in the hospice are remarkable people and very caring. At least that way you would be taken care of properly and never be on your own. I think you would feel more secure. I wish I could help you. Look after yourself.
2006-09-27 08:14:59 · answer #4 · answered by Vonnie S 4 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Please don't listen to all this rubbish about death being imminent. It is true that hospices do not offer treatment aimed at curing cancer or even at slowing its' progress, but it's not about putting you to bed and waiting until you die.
Hospices, and the palliative care teams who work there, specialise in treating the symptoms of terminal illness. This means that during your stay they will do everything they can to control your pain, nausea and other problems. They are usually very successful at this.
It may be that you will feel well enough to go home with an appropriate level of support.
It is true that if you wish some hospices will arrange for you to spend your final days of life as an inpatient, but many people choose to die at home. You can discuss this with your doctors and nurses.
As to your fear of the hospice itself, they are usually much more relaxing places than acute hospitals, and you should expect it to be a calming experience which will if anything only help to soothe your anxieties.
My thoughts go out to you at this difficult time.
2006-09-27 08:27:58 · answer #5 · answered by Silver Fox 2 · 7⤊ 1⤋
Hospices treat the whole person, not just the cancer. Is it only the thought of going to the hospice that scares you? If you would like to know about God's love and what He can do for you, go to http://groups.yahoo.com/group/seeking_reality
You will be in my prayers Laura, and your willing to contact me if you wish.
My heart goes out in compassion to you - God Bless
2006-09-30 09:10:00 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The folks who work for hospice are God's angels here on earth. They will take good care of you. You may not have many more years on this earth, but the time you have will be quality time. Do everything you ever wanted to do, and get your affairs in order. My best friend told me that it was the only time in her life she did not have to worry. I am so sorry, but the angels will be there and help you through the rough times.
2006-09-27 09:06:31 · answer #7 · answered by Kathy 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
My step father went into a hospice and he actually felt very comfortable there even tho he was Jewish and it was a Cathloc hospice!Everyone was really nice,and altho it is sad,it was soothing as well.He was in a place full of people who understood exactly what he was going thru.Go in with a open mind and a kind spirit.You will find that waiting for you.I send you a hug and a God Bless.
2006-09-27 07:49:38 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 5⤊ 0⤋
Oh my, I am so sorry for you, my cousin also had cancer and needed a hospice, they take care of you until the end. I'm sorry to put it so blundtly, but it's the only way I can explain it. My cousin died at age 38 with her hospice at her side. She died peacefully in her sleep. I will pray for you.
2006-09-27 07:44:25 · answer #9 · answered by Mimi 2 · 4⤊ 0⤋
When my mother was deteriorating from her cancer we had hospice come in to help my brother and i take care of my mother. They were wonderful! The most caring people i have ever met. To choose to work with patients that are not going to recover takes special type of people. The ladies that came to our house treated my mom with the most caring and compassion i have ever seen. She was comfortable and at peace. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend them. God Bless.
2006-09-27 13:20:43 · answer #10 · answered by Wen 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
sorry to hear about your cancer and your fear of going into a hospice. I just visited my friend in one and she calls it her 5 star hotel they are lovely places were you are looked after by lovely people. Good Luck
2006-09-29 09:24:28 · answer #11 · answered by suzy 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋