Introduction to My Hospice Experience

So after telling Oncologist no more chemo, I was discharged and referred to hospice also called Empath.

Got home from oncologist on Weds after noon and was no sooner here when I got a call from Hospice.

They wanted to send out an "intake" nurse to the house to evaluate me for entry into the program.  One was scheduled immediately for the next day.  A lovely lady (RN) came out to the house. She was herself a survivor of breast cancer and lymphoma. She explained the program to me.  They would come to me for all visits, they would supply everything I need going forward at no charge.  This included meds.  She recommended a prescription strength Senna-C for constipation as the pain medication causes it.  Told her I wished for an anti-anxiety med and pain med.  She recommended Ativan and oxycodone which I agreed to.

Later that same day some guy cam to my door with a small bag of those drugs.  Amazing!

The following day, Friday I had my first visit with the care nurse.  It was a very nice male nurse, new to Hospice, who most recently worked ICU at local hospital, but left after they made staffing changes.  My friend, Karen, suggested I get weekly visits vs biweekly, the minimum I had wanted.  He explained that the visit schedule was set by assessment nurse based on what they decided was needed.  Which is just fine with me.  

The whole experience blew me away with their jump to action, professionalism and compassion. I just can't say enough good things about hospice.  Rather than go to the hospital for out of control symptoms they provide care centers fully medically staffed with private home like setting rooms.  They provide free transportation and you get discharged home after crises is resolved.  If I never have to see the inside of a hospital again that is fine with me. 

It is my hope to die at home.  Hospice will provide a "hospital" bed when and if the time comes.  I feel like I have all the armor and care I need going forward.  A comforting situation.  I'll make further entries to my blog to describe any changes and my experience.  Love to all!