How much time? Info needed for Hospice care.

Hanson · New User Joined: 22 Mar 2006 Posts: 2

My father who is 85 was diagnosed with lung cancer about 5 months ago.
He is gradually losing the battle, most of his life he was 165lbs, he is now
about 125lbs, he is 5 foot 7 inches tall.
He has had radiation therapy. But it was just pallative, he is on
oxycontin and various other pain relieving drugs.
Until Thursday the 11th he could walk and talk. He had very few incontinence problems. On thursday we took him to the hospital, because he could not stand. Friday night while I was with him at the hospital he lost his ability to talk. He just started saying nonsense words.
Sunday he started talking and communicating again. And he was released. The doctors said that there is nothing more that they can do for him. And we should get hospice care started. He is now sleeping aproximatley 22 to 23 hours a day and eats only a few ounces of food if you feed it to him and few ounces of water a day, he has also lost control of his bowels and urine.
His insurance only covers about 2 weeks of hospice care.
So what i need to know is should we start it now, or wait till later.
Every time that i thought that it was the end, he keeps on ticking.
Hes like the energizer bunny. Very Happy

Thank you in advance.

tilo · Regular Joined: 27 Apr 2006 Posts: 21

Hanson,
I am so sorry to hear about your father... good wishes and continued strength.
I have been doing a lot of research about final stages of cancer, and what to expect as my loved one passes on, and it would appear to me from the symptoms you have described that perhaps you should begin hospice care. From what I have learned, it sounds like your father is in the final stages of his disease. I understand the feeling of thinking you're about to lose him and somehow he surprises you, we are experiencing the same situation. However, I agree with the doctors, you should begin your hospice care.
Best wishes,
Tilo

Hanson · New User Joined: 22 Mar 2006 Posts: 2

Tilo,
Thank you for your response. I have to say that this is an amazing site,
and I want to thank everyone that is part of it. We will be starting hospice
care, tomorrow. I spoke with hospice and they said that after the 2 weeks it is 160.00 per a day, and my 2 brothers and I can afford that.
thanks again,
DAVE

tilo · Regular Joined: 27 Apr 2006 Posts: 21

Hanson,
I'm glad to hear you have begun the process for hospice care. I think it was wise not to wait too long. Best of luck on your journey. Please keep us posted on your situation.
I agree, this is a terrific site. The support we receive from strangers who understand our turmoil is amazing...
Sending thoughts and strength.
Tilo

winnymac

Hanson,

Is your father Medicare eligible? Here in Oregon Hospice is covered by Medicare. My father has been on hospice for about 3 months now and they have provided all the necessary supplies and equipment. Remarkably, dad is improving right now and may come off hospice for a short time, not sure yet. He is 78 and had lung cancer that mets to the brain but had treatment for both. However, he had stopped eating for almost 3 months and got very weak, which is when we decided to sign up with hospice.

Good luck to you and your family,
Linda

bethanyaok

Dave... I am glad you were able to get hospice on board. They will be extremely helpful with your dad, and can also be helpful to you and your family as you go through your dad's end stage with cancer. I lost my dad to cancer in June 2006. He resisted hospice, but let them come in. He deteriorated very quickly despite his denial and resistance to dying. Medicare covered his hospice care. He had nurses, social workers, pedicurists, physical therapists, massage therapists, spiritual support, and more.

Here are a couple of web pages that might be helpful to you:

http://www3.baylor.edu/%7ECharles_Kemp/terminal_illness/Terminal_Illness.htm

http://lungdiseases.about.com/od/endoflifeissuescare/

Take care! My thoughts are with you and your family,
Bethany
_________________
Bethany
breast cancer dx 4/17/00
4 AC, 28 rads, tamoxifen
7 years NED, and counting!
BRCA2+ 2/1/07

Lost Dad to Lung Cancer June '05

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