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Palliative Care: What is it? How do I get it?
Cancer: Managing Symptoms | Last Active: Dec 29, 2023 | Replies (44)Comment receiving replies
Hi @seaspray, I encourage to ask your oncologist about palliative care at Mayo Clinic. It is available at all Mayo campuses. In this archived Video Q&A Dr. Maisha Robinson shares information on palliative care at Mayo Clinic in Florida and answers questions.
- Video Q&A about Palliative Care https://connect.mayoclinic.org/webinar/discussion-on-palliative-care/
Compared to surgery, radiation and chemotherapy, it is a relatively new treatment line. Sometimes it doesn't get introduced to the patient or the patient and family may not hear that it has been offered. Like many people in this discussion, clinicians and patients alike continue to equate palliative care with hospice or end of life care. It is more than that. Like @merpreb said "Palliative care is all care, from the beginning of your illness to it's end." Palliative care focuses on LIVING with xxx (cancer, heart disease, ALS or whatever condition). It's about living with reality of disease (the road) and putting the steering wheel in your hands.
I wonder how many of you in this discussion have asked about palliative care vs. being told about it. Did you inquire about palliative care?
Replies to "Hi @seaspray, I encourage to ask your oncologist about palliative care at Mayo Clinic. It is..."
Hi @colleenyoung, Thank you for the info. I am now aware Mayo does have it but has never been discussed. I don't see a doctor for 3 months, just a nurse who might be able to point me in the right direction. My mayo has no support groups for lung cancer and I don't need drugs so not sure what else they might offer. As I had my treatment yesterday, I will ask the nurse in 3 weeks when I go back.
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@colleenyoung- Thank you for additional information on Palliative Care.
I have also found more info : https://www.ajmc.com/journals/evidence-based-oncology/2016/december-2016/asco-guideline-upgrade-integrates-palliative-care-in-standard-oncology-care
How do I get palliative care if it is not offered tome: https://www.webmd.com/palliative-care/how-to-find-palliative-care
The difference between palliative care and hospice:
The Difference Between Palliative Care and Hospice
Both palliative care and hospice care provide comfort. But palliative care can begin at diagnosis, and at the same time as treatment. Hospice care begins after treatment of the disease is stopped and when it is clear that the person is not going to survive the illness.