My intro to Hospice

BeckyOD

I started with home hospice a couple of weeks ago. It was the right thing to do. I was unable to go through the strain of getting to the onc's office anymore and was already told there wasn't any treatment left I hadn't taken. Any experimental treatment would have to be administered in the hospital but not sure if my body could even handle it. I decided to stay home with hospice care to spend better time with my family and friends.



I've been battling severe edema for over 2 months which has kept me basically bed ridden and took the heart out of my willingness to continue destroying myself in the hopes that something might work. My liver by that point was fairly well eaten up by all the mets multiplying and growing larger. The edema is finally showing improvement and hospice has been able to control the considerable pain.



Although I'm in this position I feel hopeful to have a bit more time and hope to beat more odds by a long stay with hospice. I realize things could be worse for me. So I'm glad to have this little respite before I have to deal with the unthinkable.



Just thought I'd share.

jan508

Becky:

You have been and will continue to be in my prayers!

God Bless

Jan

BarbaraA

Becky, you are a brave warrior and I am holding you close in my thoughts and prayers.  Your dignity and resolve has touched everyone who has followed your journey. Your willingness to help others on their own journeys is so inspiring. Gentle hugs for you and prayers for peace.

konakat

Hi Becky,

I was happy to read on your other thread that the edema was going away.  And that you've been gardening.  It's a beautiful time of year.  I always hear how well hospice takes care of people, being able to be pain free and do things you enjoy.  I'll follow along with you here, thank-you for sharing this part of your journey.  Maybe you'll post some photos once your garden blooms? Hugs,

Elizabeth

dlb823

Becky, I've also been following your posts and am in awe at your grace.  I'm so glad to hear that hospice was the right thing to do, and that they've been able to ease your pain and discomfort.  You have been and will continue to be in my prayers.     Deanna 

katie11

I will be right here with you, Becky! It's good to hear that the pain and edema are now better under control and that you are enjoying some good days in your garden.



Here's to many more!



Katie

Leah_S

Becky, I hope you can remain as comfortable as possible for as long as possible. I also hope you're able to continue to enjoy your family, friends, and your garden.

Sending love.

Leah

chrissyb

Becky I'm so happy to hear that the edema is subsiding and the pain under control. Enjoy the days you have with your family and friends doing the things you can manage. May your future days be gentle.



Peace, strength, love n hugs. Chrissy

mthomp2020

It's so good to hear that the edema is lessening and the pain control is improving.  You can enjoy the spring sunshine and your garden, and that can't but help you feel better.  I hope you have many days of sunshine in your garden and with your famly.

susan_02143

Morning Becky,

So good to hear that the edema and pain are being taken care of. Does take them awhile to find the magic combination. Still too cold here to do gardening, but that is where you can often find me in the summer. I love sitting outside at the end of the day with some sunshine coming through the trees.

Hope today is a good one.

*susan* 

steelrose

Hi Becky... I found you! I'm very glad that Hospice is keeping you comfortable. You have no idea how important your posts are! Thank you so much for continuing to reach out, and sharing your journey. We love you and want to support you in any way we can! I have yellow daisies on my sundeck and when I look at them, I think of you.

xoxo

Rose.  

imbell

May your days be sunny. You are in my thoughts and wishes for a long pain free journey. Hugs to everyone and especially Becky.

IllinoisNancy

katie11,

Hi,

I'm so glad that you are doing well after so many years of ILC.  It gives hope to me as I have just had a recurrence from 2006 which has resulted in a 20 weeks of chemo follwed by a BMX.  The first time I had a Lumpectomy, radiation and Tamoxifen for 4 years until it came back.  It appeared near the spot the last one did but also popped through to the skin on the breast.  I am so scared it will come back again and it helps me to read about women like you.  Are you taking any anti-hormone pills?  Good luck with your fight and know you are an inspiration to me.

Take care,

Nancy

BeckyOD

Good morning, my friends. So glad to see you here. I forgot to go back to the other board to post where I went. Thank you, Elizabeth, for posting it for me.



Today will be another sunny and very warm day here. Friends are coming over with brunch and we'll eat in the garden until it's too hot. I don't actually do my own gardening any more but I will learn to post pictures. Not a tech person but I do have the time now to at least make an attempt.



Nancy, I never had ILC and Katie11 is not in hospice. FYI, once in hospice it means you are not taking any treatment anymore. Maybe repost to the stage IV board and someone will help guide you. Don't let fear ruin your enjoying your life fully.



Have an excellent day.

mamanmidwife

Enjoy the sun and warmth Becky. I think of you often and i am so glad the edema is subsiding, and the pain is being well treated!

Cathy2

Becky enjoy the sun and beauty of your garden. So glad the edema went down, thinking of you and your family. I love what you said "Don't let fear ruin your enjoying your life fully" You are such a inspiration to me! Gentle (((hugs))) and prayers.

spouse1

Becky:  Glad to hear things are improving for you in some ways.  Told you that hospice is so great - know that sounds nuts.  But you like my wife are at that stage and it is comforting to know there is a group that can assist us in the needs that we have. In talking with our Doc and the hospice group, they like to have long term partnerships with their patients and not wait till the last moment like so many time in the past. 

We mobilate my wife with a wheel chair when we do get out and she shuffles through the house trying to walk as much as possible.  Pain is under control but just weak.  Hospice is going to do some physical therapy here at home in attempt to get her leg strength built up some.  Alot of things they can do. 

Hang in there Becky and glad you are feeling better.  Let me know where you may start the new thread.

Gary

lwd

Becky,

Thinking of you and hoping for pain-free days in the sunshine.  Let those you love be there to help and show their love.  It is their gift to you.  I am so glad to hear that the edema is lessening.  Your courage has been an inspiration to so many.  I hope you're enjoying the sunshine!

Lane

chainsawz

I wish you many more days to enjoy your family in comfort.  I will be reading to see how you are doing....just know there are many of us here reading who care :>

hihopes

Becky,

Thinking of you sitting in your garden with the sun on your face.  Your posts touch many hearts!  I look forward to seeing your next one. 

Florence

china

Becky, I am glad that the edema and pain are being controlled for you. You bring tears to my eyes with your courage and dignity in facing this difficult road ahead of you. Hospice is a godsend and a blessing. Enjoy the love of your family and friends and the sunshine warming your face.  I pray that God will grant you many days of sunshine and love. Here is my cyber hug to you (((((HUG))))). Dawn

BeckyOD

Gary, I so appreciate your words of wisdom and learning of the connection between your wife and me. My husband especially loved hearing she has been in hospice over 6 months and, although weak, is still very much enjoying herself. He really thought going into hospice care meant well under 6 months. That gave him a much needed boost. Me too. Can't thank you enough for sharing. I truly hope your wife is with you much longer. You're a good man.



My troubling edema has receded by 2/3rds finally and am finding walking a lot easier. Unfortunately I've lost a lot of weight that I couldn't afford to lose which has made me quite weak and I sleep way too much. The swelling had caused undue problems with my digesting solid food. Literally my body was starving itself. I feel like I need to do a nutritional rich liquid diet to reverse this. Here's hoping the edema doesn't make a return visit. A chance I'll have to take.



I still continue to keep the little dreams alive of driving my car and eating in fine restaurants again.

chrissyb

((((((((Becky)))))))))  I do hope you are able to put a few pounds back on after loosing so much.   Dreams are good and often give us the impetus to carry on. I wish you long gentle days that lead to long gentle months.

Chrissy

apple

I am so glad to hear you are feeling a bit better.. I hope you continue in peace and find joy Becky..

steelrose

Good morning, Becky...

I hope you are able to drink some nutritional shakes. I make a coconut milk and fruit shake every morning. You could pack yours full of the vitamins and calories you need. Fingers crossed for no more edema too!

I love So. Cal. at this time of year. I used to live down there (in Studio City, not far from you). My boyfriend at the time had a convertible and I remember driving over Beverly Glen and Coldwater, smelling the flowers...

Thinking of you and wishing you a good day...

Rose.  

Fighter_34

BeckyOD: I love your positive attitude. Wishing you plenty more good days.

susan_02143

Morning Becky,

I hope that you are able to renourish your body with some rich foods, preferably some that taste good at the same time. Here in Boston it is once again cold and damp. No sitting in gardens in the sun yet. Another month before we get anything resembling Spring weather, and then I can begin planting the small vegetable garden.

All the best,

*susan* 

chrissyb

((((((Becky))))))  May you have a most joyous Easter spent with your family and friends.

Chrissy

lwd

Becky,

Happy Easter!!

Hope you have sunshine.  It just started snowing here!

Hugs,

Lane

208sandy

Becky:

I join so many others in wishing you peaceful, sunny days.  Thank you for sharing this part of your journey with all of us - love to both you and your dh and Happy Easter.

Sandy

sincitydealer

Thinking of you, Becky, and hoping you enjoy the sunshine and a nice Easter weekend.

Peggy