About Andy Milligan RN, BSN, CHPN

President and CEO of Solaris Hospice.

Panama-ramic View

Posted on May 4, 2012 by Andy Milligan RN, BSN, CHPN

Our number one passion at Solaris without question is cutting edge palliative medicine. Not far behind that comes a long standing heart and love for overseas missions work, specifically medical outreach. Solaris has taken medical teams (including non-medical members) to 4 different countries in the last 5 years. You can read more about those trips as well as view photos and video over on our missions page. Billy Mahoney, who serves as videographer, editor, and graphic designer for Solaris, joined us on our trip to Panama. This is his story.

Billy Mahoney

When someone says “Panama”, you probably think of the Van Halen song. If not, then I applaud you. When I think of Panama, I think of a country that brought an experience to me that I never thought I would have the pleasure of encountering. In August of 2009 I was taken along as a videographer for a mission trip that was made possible by Solaris. I had never been on a mission trip. I had never even been out of the country (aside from Mexico). I honestly had no idea what I was going to see or what to expect.

The day before we were scheduled to leave I had flu-like symptoms and felt like twenty miles of bad road. Lucky for me I work with some of the best medical specialists a person could ask for. Whatever they gave me could only be described as unicorn tears mixed with pure magic because it knocked the sick right out of me. The day we landed in Panama I was as close to 100% as I could be. The trip could officially begin. Continue reading →

Fear: Pain’s Loud Friend

Posted on May 1, 2012 by Andy Milligan RN, BSN, CHPN

One of the biggest fears we see faced by patients and their loved ones over and over in hospice care is the fear of pain. Not just the fear of being IN pain, but the fear that comes with not having a good understanding of pain and how it can be managed. Of course, it doesn’t have to be this way.

Most fear associated with pain can be alleviated through improving both the patient’s and family’s understanding of pain. Below are some common myths about pain addressed in a new website produced by a division of the National Hospice & Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO) called Caring Connections. A special area of their website, called LIVE without pain, is focused on improving pain education among the general public, but particularly among those in end of life care (including family caregivers).

Some people think that pain is a natural part of aging or illness – that is a myth. There is almost always a reason for the pain and most physical pain can be managed. Learning the truth about pain and what you can do to manage your pain can help you focus on other parts of your life and enjoy your days.

The following statements and answers provide some facts about pain and pain management. Continue reading →

LIVE Without Pain

Posted on April 30, 2012 by Andy Milligan RN, BSN, CHPN

When you are in pain, it can be difficult to focus on anything else; pain can affect every part of your life. You may not be able to eat or sleep well. You may not have the energy to do the things you enjoyed doing in the past. You may not want to talk with loved ones or maintain your relationships. Your pain may consume your daily life. Physical pain can take away peace of mind, comfort, enjoyment and most of all hope. It doesn’t have to be this way.

Learn more about pain, common myths, and how best to manage pain at this informative website from the National Hospice & Palliative Care Organization: LIVE Without Pain.

Heroes Never Die: Rocky’s Story

Posted on April 24, 2012 by Andy Milligan RN, BSN, CHPN

A few weeks ago I told you about Billy Mahoney, a videographer and editor for Solaris. He wrote about his experience and new found friendship with a man named Rocky. You can read the full article by following the link at the bottom of this post. Solaris Hospice took care of Rocky’s father but the connection developed between Billy and Rocky is a unique one indeed. I think you’ll enjoy viewing Rocky’s story.

Heroes Never Die from Solaris Hospice on Vimeo.

Read more about Billy’s experience with Rocky in his article called The Rolling Credits.

Is This A Shift In Oncology Thinking?

Posted on April 20, 2012 by Andy Milligan RN, BSN, CHPN

A recent article titled “Oncology group stresses need for palliative care, not aggressive treatment, at end of life” may represent a shift in thinking among oncologists. The hospice and palliative care world has long observed our medical culture’s aggressive approach to treating as long as possible, often up until the final hours of life. The unnecessary tests and treatments recognized by the medical coalition in this article is a welcome change in thinking. More than anything it may simply encourage physicians, particularly oncologists, to open lines of communication early with their patients regarding the true objective benefits, or lack thereof, of continued treatment. As the article points out, this is particularly needed in late-stage cancer patients. Honest and open communication with patients regarding the truth about their condition and its trajectory is not a sign of a bad doctor, or of giving up hope. It’s a much needed step in improving end-of-life care.

The Philadelphia-based American Board of Internal Medicine Foundation and a coalition of nine medical societies released their top-five recommendations Wednesday for unnecessary tests and treatments that should be reduced to cut costs to the healthcare system.

The recommendations suggests late-stage cancer patients who stand to benefit little from chemotherapy should be taken off anti-cancer drugs and given hospice care at the end of life.

According to the recommendations, as many as ten to 15 percent of cancer patients receive chemotherapy in the last two weeks of life. Continue reading →

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