Personal question/need information

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Specializes in ER, Labor and Delivery, Infection Contro.

Greetings to you all,

I am a Registered Nurse and my father was just diagnosed not quite 2 weeks ago with non-small cell carcinoma of the lung with metastisis to the brain. Stage 4. He is refusing chemo, will do radiation. Just had surgery to remove brain tumor on Friday.

Anyway, the purpose for my writing is I understand the prognosis is not good. I don't know how to help him and my mother through this. Oncology or Hospice nursing is not my specialty. I was wondering if anyone had any tips/advise/recommendations on web sites/reading etc that could be helpful. I would appreciate any replies and I thank you in advance.

God Bless you in all you do

alwayslearnin

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You are right to inquire about hospice! Is the radiation for comfort/palliation? Its obvious without chemo the prognosis is poor. I would check into some hospices in your area and they could answer alot of questions for you. http://www.hospicenet.org/ This is a great site to use when trying to chose a hospice and find out information. Its great to get hospice involved as soon as you can so that a trusting relationship can be formed being patient/family/nurse. Not only will hospice be a great asset to your father, but also to the family. I will be thinking of you! Please PM or email me if you have any questions or need anything.

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So sorry to hear about your father. From what you've said, it's probably good idea to not put him through the chemo.

Advantages of Hospice:

First, The nurses are wonderfull. It's our buisness to assist the family as much as the patient. We help prepare them for whats to come. You and your dad both need lots of emotional TLC and, if you have a good hospice, you'l get it.

Second, The doctors know how to releave pain as well as other uncomfortable symptoms

I can't encourage you too much to get involved with hospice. Even before your dad gets "realy bad"

my prayers and best wishes Angel

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I'm so sorry for what you are going through. I can not say enough about Hospice, though- they are truly angels.

Lori

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Specializes in ER, Labor and Delivery, Infection Contro.

Greetings All,

Thank-you so much for your kind words/thoughts and experience. I never thought of contacting Hospice at this point-it's (the reality of the diagnosis of Cancer and implications) just now really becoming a reality for everyone involved. I will contact them.

Thank you again and I pray blessings to you and to all you care for.

alwayslearnin

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