HOSPICE.
I haven't talked about hospice, or much of anything lately. It's a full time job to properly medicate myself all day. But hey, I can multi-task! Right this minute I'm having an albuterol treatment in my new nebulizer. It's also taken me about a week to pull this post together.
The word "hospice" is a pretty scary word to most people. Some immediate thoughts upon hearing the word "hospice" are DEATH! DYING! KICKIN' THE BUCKET! (ok, that one was mine). But I chose hospice because treatment for my cancer was not working any more, and the cancer is spreading. I am in a totally new Place. I'm soaking up all these new feelings since I signed that one little orange paper. I'll save that for later.
I have my own hospice team. I have a doctor that makes house calls. She is amazing! I have a RN case manager, "A", who oversees all my care and stops by once or twice a week. I have another RN, "L", who covers when A is out. I have a phlebotomist, "R", that comes by and draws my blood once a week. I have a social worker, "N", who takes care of my head, and everything and everyone around me. She brings me flowers.
My hospice is a not-for-profit organization so all of my care not covered by state insurance is taken care of. I can't even begin to tell you how wonderful they all are. Just when you think there couldn't possibly be any more they could offer you, they're back with a massage therapist for my lymphedema. Their pharmacy delivers day or night. My oxygen and supplies are delivered round the clock. A couple weeks ago I said "I have a swollen ankle". An hour later there was an ultrasound tech at my house checking me for DVT.
They really listen to me. They are all about me and my pain and my feelings and my children and our comfort. I have not had a bad experience or weird vibe from anyone I've met through hospice. God, what did I do to deserve this kind of loving, kind, compassionate care? I am blessed beyond belief.
LOVE
LOVE
I've thought about you constantly since I was witness to what you endure on a daily basis...God love that soul of yours, your fight for independance and the ability to keep on truckin'..
ReplyDeleteI know you're tired baby girl, please think to save some strength and let others help you...I felt honored to change your bandage and clean up the "ice storm" in the kitchen...lol...I love you so much Patty...Call ANY TIME !!!
I love this post, because I don't think enough people know how beautiful a thing hospice actually is. I appreciate you sharing your experience.
ReplyDeleteMuch love,
KimmyD
Thanks for sharing your experience with hospice. My Aunt is in hospice and is getting equally excellent care.
ReplyDeleteHugs
Just wanted you to know that I am still praying and cheering you on*! You deserve all the TLC you are getting. Keep us informed on how you're doing when you can. ((HUGS)))
ReplyDelete-Ashley
I worked for Home Care and Hospice and it is the most wonderful organization in the world. Thank you for your tribute to their tender care.
ReplyDeleteLove you Patty!
I am so happy to hear about your positive experience with Hospice and the amazing care you're getting. My family did not have that great of an experience at all unforunately, but each member of our family was fortunate enough to get two months off from college and/or work to take care of my mom ourselves when our Hospice nurse neglected her needs. So we found a way to make it work and made the best of it just the same.
ReplyDeleteYou are truly blessed and are a blessing to us, your avid, admiring readers! XOXO
I am so glad you have so many wonderful people there to help, and that you are letting them do it for you.
ReplyDeleteLyn
Your gratitude is showing again. I'm certain the hospice staff are enriched 100 fold by being around your spirit & wit. We out here in blogland love you and pray for you
ReplyDeleteI'd like to remind you of the many, many, many times you offered love, compassion, and tender care to women in the worst moments of their lives. Turnabout is fair play, wouldn't you say? Also, you're hella lovable -- that doesn't hurt! xoxoxoxo
ReplyDeleteOh geeze Patty, you deserve all the Graces God has to offer, and to be comfortable here on earth. You just have no idea how much you are loved. You are so selfless to take time to share your journey with us. I am so relieved to know that your Hospice team is wonderful, loving an caring.
ReplyDeletePeace and God Bless,
Denise
Pateeta, I started following your blog a few weeks ago - I was looking up something on cancer and discovered it - last year my husband had a huge sarcoma in his psoas muscle, but we went to MD Anderson (amazing place)and after chemo, radiation and surgery, he is fine now. We go back every three months for scans. But I just wanted to say that YOU are amazing. I am about your age, 48, and live in Lubbock. I think I am your biggest fan, although from the comments, there are other huge fans too. You are a great writer, are strong and honest, and grateful, and most of all, you just don't take any BS! I love that! I am praying for your complete healing, and I am also praying for your comfort in this difficult time. It really pisses me off that someone as great as you has to go through this, I have to tell you. Give those great caregivers a big hug for me. Thank you so much for sharing your story with us, what a gift!
ReplyDeleteI am thinking of you, Pateeta!
ReplyDeleteLots of love and hugs!
Great post. You are inspiring. Great to meet you via your blog. My thoughts are with you, all the way from the southern most tip of Africa...
ReplyDeletePateeta my sweet.
ReplyDeleteI learned about hospice when my daddy was sick THEY ARE ANGELS ON THIS EARTH!!! They took care of Daddy's every need, they took care of my step-mom's, of mine. They have such a wonderful "take" on their mission, their goals, and how they view what they are doing. I gained a whole new insight from them, and I'll forever be grateful. I am sooo glad you have them. soooooo glad. much love from your friend Viney.