URGENT plz help.... - Cancer Message Board

Marie1973 · 06-17-2008, 09:21 AM

My dad has been on Hospice at my house for 5 days.They are so wonderful and are even sending him a massage therapist.
The oncologist called me this morn to see how he was doing and to offer Alimta (chemo drug) as paliative treatment to head off forecoming problems such as pain and fuild around the lungs.
Hospice said it wouldnt be covered so they would have to revoke us because we are seeking further treatment.They said they would pick us back up later.
The hospice nurse said it was our decision and that was just medicare rules.He wasn't telling us not seek further treatment.
The doc said the chemo won't prolong my dads life.
The purpose of hospice is comfort-so why should we get the chemo for comfort?
I'm very happy with the care my dad is receiving on hospice.
Any thoughts please????

k2626 · 06-17-2008, 12:15 PM

Hi ....pls read my earlier post. I went through the EXACT same thing last week. Long story short. Dad was just diagnosed w pancreatic cancer that is in his liver and bones too. Onc said he has 2 to 4 months and if he goes through chemo maybe another couple of months. My dad started gemzar chemo last week, he has had two rounds. It will not cure him but will help with pain (hopefully) and he may live another couple months. When the onc found out we were meeting w hospice they said then they would stop chemo because hospice does not consider that their philosophy (even though it would not cure my dad or make him live much longer) At anyrate, we looked into it and the gemzar is considered aggressive chemo per medicare even though gemar is also palliative. SO we are sticking w the chemo and dropped hospice. As of now my dad does not NEED hospice, so we decided to go with the treatment.

Hope this helps some....

Marie1973 · 06-17-2008, 05:17 PM

Thanks K.I wonder what kind of condition your dad was in.Was he still doing things for himself or did he require assistance?
My dad has become so dependant in such a short amount of time.He sleeps most of the time and eats mostly ice cream, cake, fruit-sweet stuff.He needs assistance using the bathroom, changing etc....
He's in a much weaker conditon than ever-but everyone says he looks good.He's definetly a fighter-that's for sure.
This is such a hard decision.
I want so much for him to be well.Will the chemo make him any stronger?

Mel52 · 06-17-2008, 07:19 PM

My girlfriend kept with the chemo up until 5 days before she passed. She knew it was time for hospice and a family member being a nurse knew too. She became unresponsive to conversation, didn't want to eat anymore and slept most of the time. That was when hospice was called. She died two days later.

Marie1973 · 06-17-2008, 08:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mel52

My girlfriend kept with the chemo up until 5 days before she passed. She knew it was time for hospice and a family member being a nurse knew too. She became unresponsive to conversation, didn't want to eat anymore and slept most of the time. That was when hospice was called. She died two days later.

I'm sorry about your girlfriend Mel.This is such a terrible thing to deal with.Some get cured and some don't-just don't understand it......

My dad was so sick I didn't think he would be coming home from the hospital.The 1 st nite/morning we got there I called my mom & sister at 5 am to come up there because thats how sick he was.I stayed with him every nite (crying & praying) when he was sleeping.

When the palliative care lady came to talk we us on that Wednesday-she explained our options. I had asked well could we stay here-in the hospital.The entire staff on that unit was outstanding and really cared for my dads needs-answering the call bell within seconds. The answer she gave me was that if it was a matter of days then yes-but since we are talking about weeks-then no.She didn't say how many weeks-though the oncologist said 2.I just hope that they are both wrong and that my dad lives for many years to come because I love him so much and can't imagine him going away.Miracles do happen!

I had also been praying for my dad to be able to come home -but really didn't have much faith in it happening-as he was so very sick-and especilly all of a sudden like that.But-my prayer was answered.

Today he had a good day.He didn't require much meds,didn't cough as much and we took him for a walk in his wheelchair,where he ran into an old buddy of his from over 70 years ago.This buddy of his had mentioned how he had just been talking about him a few days ago with a mutual friend.What a coincidence! It was a good day.

Anyway,thanks for listening.I'm so glad for this board and glad to have found it.