Monday, January 25, 2016

Palliative care

What Is Palliative Care?

Palliative care (pronounced pal-lee-uh-tiv) is specialized medical care for people with serious illnesses. It focuses on providing patients with relief from the symptoms and stress of a serious illness. The goal is to improve quality of life for both the patient and the family. (https://getpalliativecare.org/whatis/)  
That is what they are calling his chemo now. The cancer has spread into his lymph nodes. No surgery is what they are saying. No cure, surgery can kill him. Just die.
So I am looking at quality of life. What can I do to make it better for him, for the time he has left. How long will it be? I don't know. I just do not know anything anymore. I am at a loss at what to do. I want him to live. I need him to live. Am I just wanting to make his life better for him or me? I don't know.

4 comments:

  1. I never knew what it meant until that is what they put mama on. I wish they had told me what it meant THEN.
    I know you have a lot of questions that you need answered. Will he have to continue the chemo then,if it is going to make him sicker?? I am so sorry Celeste.I know words will not do anything to help, but I do want you to know that I am praying for you and him.
    love , carlene

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  2. I think you want it for both of you as you well should and both deserve. I feel so bad that you are both having to go through this. I've never heard the word Palliative here but we have something else like that which I can't remember the name and I think it is very helpful, as helpful as you can get at a time like that. My prayers are with you both, wish I could offer more. Paula

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  3. A doctor is dutybound to heal, or to minimise suffering if healing has become impossible. Palliative means that symptoms can be minimised to lead to the highest possible quality of life. Make the most of that, while you both can. You remain in thoughts at this very difficult time.

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  4. ...my thoughts are with you Celeste ... be strong and keep in your faith ...

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