← Return to Anyone chosen palliative care? What are the last months/weeks like?

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@colleenyoung

@rfherald, I can understand you're wanting to be prepared. As you can imagine, my answer is going to be "it depends and everyone is different." Having said that there are some things that you and your family can be aware of and prepared for. You might find this article from Virtual Hospice helpful:
– Final weeks and days: What to expect https://www.virtualhospice.ca/en_US/Main+Site+Navigation/Home/Topics/Topics/Final+Days/Final+weeks+and+days_+What+to+expect.aspx

The article is not cancer specific but I found it useful to read when my dad was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer. It helped me to be prepared. My father-in-law had metastatic prostate cancer and again we were better prepared as to what to expect. He had home hospice and we set up a hospital bed on the main floor so he could have a clear view through the picture window to the lake – the view for which he built the house.

Have you already had a palliative care consult? Have you considered also looking into hospice options for when that time comes?

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Replies to "@rfherald, I can understand you're wanting to be prepared. As you can imagine, my answer is..."

No, I have not but I will follow-up on all of your recommendations. Thank you.

Sorry for the late response. Yes, we have met with CommonSpirit several times. They provide both Palliative and Hospice services. In February 2019, Dignity Health merged with Catholic Health Initiatives, becoming CommonSpirit Health. Our contact is a very smart nurse who asks good questions.