Oh Michelle, I do not know what to say. This is all of our worst nightmares and I am so sorry to hear that your family is going through this.

I've worked in home care and hospice for 35 years and would like to support you in that decision. Pain and symptom managment is the primary focus and there is a team approach to supporting the entire family. If there is any additional information that you need please let me know and feel free to send me a private email if you want to talk.

Whatever the reasons that it's come to this point, I want to assure you that hospice programs have special training and expertise in managing comfort measures. There are volunteers, social workers, and chaplains who work with nurses and aides to provide holistic care.

I can well understand your anger but my best advice is for you to focus your energy on dealing with this new development as the loving family that you obviously are. When time is short, the only choice we have is what we do with it.

I will keep you and your Mother in my thoughts and sincerely hope that you will all find peace.

Regards JoAnne