Connect
← Return to Going my way: Decided to stop cancer treatments
Discussion
Going my way: Decided to stop cancer treatments
Breast Cancer | Last Active: Sep 5, 2023 | Replies (71)Comment receiving replies
Hello @merine I hope this finds you doing as well as can be hoped for today and that the sun is shining wherever you are located! I am sorry to read of your health journey. I know every patient and their disease is unique, but I share my wife's experiences for what they are worth for you.
I am Scott and I was my wife's caregiver during her 14+ year war with brain cancer. During her war she made two decisions, which she never regretted. One was in the very earliest days of her disease when she told me she would be a 'quality over quantity patient' no matter what. Many of her subsequent decisions were ruled by this master decision and it served her well. While certainly not for all, she did forego some treatment options due to the potential outcomes and/or side effects.
Her second grand decision was to enter home hospice immediately once her neurooncologist prescribed it. She never regretted this and received truly amazing patient-centered care for the 14+ months she was in home hospice. Her pain management was also a challenge during her disease, but it was the best in home hospice and her nurses and doctor were amazing!
I wish you continued strength, courage, and peace!
Replies to "Hello @merine I hope this finds you doing as well as can be hoped for today..."
Connect
I so appreciate the account of you and you wife’s experiences with cancer. I have talked with several people who have had experiences with Hospice that mirrored yours. I’m encouraged. I just now need to make the decision of whether to try one more chemo round using Topotecan. I hope someone reading my posts will have some info about that drug. As a side question, what might you recommend that would have helped you, the “Caregiver” While your wife was sick? I see my husband growing more weary and tired through this ordeal. I’m sure Hospice will be a big help but I’m thinking about the small and large things that helped get you through the day. Thank you for responding.