pinkdolphin

Thank you!

Hi All- I have a question for all you seasoned hospice nurses. My 79 year old father was diagnosed with Stage 4 undifferentiated NSCLC on November 12 , 2008. He has a 7 cm tumor in his rt middle lobe and a 2 cm in his left upper. At thet time he was 123 lbs...usually 145. He opted for no treatment and was given 4-6 months prob. less. He was placed on Hospice. Hospice has been wonderful. His nurse comes every week and they basically look at each other. My dad has gained all his weight back and seems totally normal to me. His nurse says the only sign of cancer is no breath sounds in the rt middle lobe. Nothing else has changed since diagnosis. He is on no meds or oxygen. He has no pain. He says he feels tired when he works in the yard etc but rests a few min and is back at it. I came home the other day and he was sawing down branches with a hand saw. My question to you all is, does this seem odd. I guess I would have expected some symptoms by now. Even his nurse is stumped. What do you all think? Thanks so much.

Hey if you have not read the thread on this site titled "managing symptome for a good death" take a look at it, make sure you get past the first few pages. It is amazing.

Hi Steph- I have read Final Gifts and everything else I can get my hands on!

Hi All- I just wanted to thank everyone who has shared these very personal stories. I am an outsider but am currently the caretaker for my father who is dying of cancer. I have to tell you I found this site totally by accident, but it has helped me beyond words. Leslie, I have read and reread the post "managing symptoms for a good death" and the insight you and Michael have is overwelming! My dad has been on hospice for a couple months, and is doing well for now. I just want to let you know that you have given me such comfort with your words. THANK YOU!

Hi all- What a wonderful site. I have a complicated question -I would love some insight. A friend who is an adult and lives at home with her mother (who is on hospice) has some issues she would like to discuss with the hospice social worker. These issues are around the impending death of her mother and the impact she feels it will have on her. She is hesitant to speak with the social worker b/c she feels if her mom knows how difficult this will be on her she will change her wishes to protect her daughter. My question is if a family member confides in the hospice social worker who gets to know that information? I hope that is clear, Thanks