Eileen

Unfortunately it is inoperable as the cancer has wrapped around her nerves. I wish there was a way to eradicate it! Carol has put up a hard fight and is still fighting.

Linda

Cookey

Thank you for taking the time and explaining Hospice from a nurses point of view. It does truly help.

I was/am a little leery of what to expect of Hospice and how they would take care of Carol as the past year there were times when I questioned Carol's treatment by the medical profession. Hospice is another aspect of the profession I have to learn about and will learn from.

Carol's hospice care is being done here at home in familiar surroundings. Her knowing she will be here is very comforting to her and eases stress and anxiety. This Hospice has 5 facilities in this area that services, I believe, 5 counties. One facility just opened this year. If needed, the nearest facility is in the same hospital campus Carol has been treated at.

I do need to take a step back and let Hospice provide Carol's care, but it is tough and I promised Carol I would take care of her.

I am putting your post on my wall and if I have doubts about Carol's care, I'll read it, being reassured that Hospice knows what they are doing and providing the best possible comfort care for her.

Linda

AnitaFrances, Pandora99, ChristineB,

Thank you all for your responses. I recognized everyone that posted. I wasn't sure if anyone would remember us as it has been awhile since I posted.

The fact that Carol's cancer is now inoperable came to be quite a shock for us. The surgeon even rearranged his schedule to get Carol into surgery sooner.

Carol is a fighter and will continue to fight, on her terms. Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers.

Linda

Hi Linda. I'm so, so sorry to hear about Carol. I figured no news probably wasn't good news. There just are no words to make it easier. My mom died at home under the care of Delaware Hospice three years ago from pancreatic cancer. Being able to die at home was all my mom wanted. She was just so tired of hospitals etc. It is a very difficult road you are on but also an honor to be able to provide this last wish for Carol. If I can answer any questions please feel free to ask. I will keep both of you in my prayers.

Linda,
I am so sorry to hear what you and Carol are going through. I'm scheduled for surgery on the 28th and it is now my worst nightmare that they won't be able to do it. I can only imagine how devastating it must have been for the both of you.

I'm sure that when I had radiotherapy in 2008 and 2010 that I had Oxycontin in a liquid form for breakthrough pain. I was also on Morphine (in soluble powder form). I had no bad side effects (apart from constipation) and was in no way mentally impaired when using it. About the only thing was that my pupils were very dilated and I was sleepy at times, but the sleepiness was most likely a side effect of the radiation. I also had no problem in coming off it.

Don't be afraid of the Oxycontin, if she does have any unpalatable side effects she can always stop. As for recreational use, apart from getting rid of my pain, it did nothing for me so I don't know why anyone would bother.

Best Wishes to you and Carol

Sue G