Linda,

I'm sorry to hear about your brother. There's nothing easy about this journey you are on.

You can sit down with the Hospice social worker and ask all the questions you need answers to. As Tammy says, it is for end of life issues. As a general rule, any "treatment" other than palliative care is not allowed. Diagnostic workups and such are also not allowed in hospice. Even ER visits for the same disease issues are not allowed. The main charge is to keep the patient comfortable. Please make sure they are doing everything possible as far as comfort care. Pain is only one piece that makes people comfortable. Hydration and some kind of nutrition could improve comfort. They can also provide you with help around the house, volunteers to help your brother, spiritual counseling and comfort for you, too.

Your Hospice agency may have some specific guidelines that you need to know.

I'm so sorry you are having to experience this. My heart goes out to you.

SCC Stage IV, BOT, T2N2bM0
Cisplatin/5FU x 3, 40 days radiation
Diagnosis 07/21/03 tx completed 10/08/03
Post Radiation Lower Motor Neuron Syndrome 3/08.
Cervical Spinal Stenosis 01/11
Cervical Myelitis 09/12
Thoracic Paraplegia 10/12
Dysautonomia 11/12
Hospice care 09/12-01/13.
COPD 01/14
Intermittent CHF 6/15
Feeding tube NPO 03/16
VFI 12/2016
ORN 12/2017
Cardiac Event 06/2018
Bilateral VFI 01/2021
Thoracotomy Bilobectomy 01/2022
Bilateral VFI 05/2022
Total Laryngectomy 01/2023