I am officially in hospice

[BuelahWitch]

I talked with a representative of the hospice company last week and made the decision to discontinue my cancer treatment. My life might last longer, but at what physical cost? I'm never going to be cured, and the drug he wanted to place me on next would have made me very sick and compromised my immune system. My doc didn't give me too much of a fight, thank goodness, and the nurse and representative came to have me do paperwork yesterday.

Some people might think I am "giving up," but I see it as a move toward my freedom. In any case, I was sicker than a dog for the past two days (partly due to anxiety), but today I almost feel back to my old self. I am not planning to die anytime soon, I just want to be comfortable in the time leading up to my next adventure.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

1. Sounds like a smart move to me, my dear BeulahWitch!

Your goal is quality of life, rather than quantity. Of course quantity matters, but not at the expense of quality.

It IS a move towards your freedom. I hope very much that you will remain comfortable. And there are medications that will aid you being just that.

[PoliticAverse]

2. Best wishes to you! n/t

[LiberalEsto]

3. Wishing you well

and sending you hugs and peace

[polly7]

4. Oh, BuelahWitch

I'm sending best vibes for you to be free of pain and for peace with this next part of your journey, and the support and company of those you care most about. Your spirit is wonderful to see, and inspiring. I've worked with hospice pts. in the past and know you'll receive the compassionate and loving care to help you along in your adventure.

Much love to you.

[BuelahWitch]

6. Good to know

The ones I've met already are fantastic. I feel like I've made a good decision.

[polly7]

7. I'm glad for that.

They will take very good care of you. Don't be afraid to ask anything of them .... no matter what it is.

[Hoyt]

5. It's definitely not giving up. I admire your spirit.

[mopinko]

8. i am a hospice volunteer and was reminded the other day

that death is not a defeat for hospice. a good death is our whole goal.
when someone with no family has a volunteer sitting at their bedside so they wont be alone, that is a victory.
when someones pain is out of control and we can bring them in and get them settled, that is a victory.
when we can make someone comfortable until it is their time, that is a victory.

they will take good care of you. where i work they are so great with the patients and the families.

best of luck on your journey. may you have peace and good pain control.

[Tab]

9. Good for you,, glad it's an alternative

I had a lot of conversations about stopping treatment before going into hospice but like you the experience under chemo was worse than whatever "quantity of life" I was getting with chemo. Being free helps me go with a clear mind (so to speak) and some functionality. If I was still on chemo I doubt I'd be able to drive to the store, take the garbage out, or meet a friend for lunch.

You can always get off hospice if you want, but I'm much happier being in hospice and suspect you will too.

Wishing you the best for yourself. Sorry I missed the original post but I've been off email the last two days more or less.

Hugs

[BuelahWitch]

11. Oh my goodness yes!

I feel like a big burden has been lifted from me and I have much more piece of mind. Glad you are having a good experience too, Tab. You deserve it.

[Duppers]

12. Glad to see you here.

I had just posted to a thread you began asking how you are doing.

Good to hear you're coping.

[marble falls]

10. You just do what you need to do. Those of us who may be making the same decision and those who ...

love you will understand and not bother you with their opinions even if they don't understand or agree with your decision. Everyone deserves dignity in life and dignity as life ends.