i've been seeing an elderly lady with lung ca for about a month and a half. she finished her first round of chemo and was supposed to start the second round yesterday. earlier this week she told me she was giving up, she's tired and she doesn't want to fight anymore. the onc referred her to hospice so i went to discharge her from home health today. she looked so worn out and tiny sitting on her couch. we held hands and talked for a bit, then she whispered, "you're not coming back?"
i lost it then and there, and i was still crying when i left. her last words to me are still in my head: "i love you."
you are a special woman. it certainly speaks volumes that this lady shared her feelings with you. keep on trucking, i'm sure this will just be the beginning of many relationships that you will build only to have them go on to different types of care.
Oh {{{{{{{{{Tazzi}}}}}}}} this is part of Home Health. I can say that for me, it makes me feel like an honored part in the pt's care.
I've had a couple of pt's choose to die at home and NOT want to transfer to hospice but instead stay with us (Long Term HH). So I was with them the whole journey. It's a challenge but a blessing as well.
Tazzi, you made an impact and feel proud and honored that you touched this lady the way you did. Tears are ok.
it was the way she said "you're not coming back?" that got to me. the "i love you" pushed me over the edge. i honestly do hope that i was able to bring a little sunshine into her last days.
Jo Dirt
3,270 Posts
She sounds like a brave soul.