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. Read More »

A few months ago, my mom handed me a book – Jesus Calling by Sarah Young. Though the book was first gifted to her, she saw my struggle and passed it on to me. Now, as soon as I walk into my office each day, I read that day’s devotion to see what God has planned for me.

When I first began reading, I truly concentrated on listening to the words and using them to live out my day. As I continued to read and listen, life, as I knew it, became less congested with earthly noise and easier to see the truth.

March 29, 2012

“Stop trying to work things out before their times have come… When something comes to your attention, ask Me whether or not it is part of today’s agenda… Though the world around you is messy and confusing, remember that I have overcome the world…”

Ecclesiastes 3:1; John 16:33

This scripture in itself has become my way of life. No matter what hardships we face, there is always an answer. Take a moment to step back, breathe, and ask Him. Ask Him what He has in store for you that day. Ask Him how you can serve Him best. Ask Him to guide you. Ask Him anything.

I’ve also learned that Jesus’ answers to my questions may not become clear to me immediately. This is where faith comes in. Though I do not yet have an answer, I have FAITH that He is by my side through this journey, and he has equipped me well.

We all travel a winding road, but sometimes we forget how to ask for directions. At times, we even fall off the map due to our own stubbornness. However, within these battles each day, I find comfort simply in knowing He is there. That faith in itself has brought me peace.

In hospice, a challenging field in itself, we stay focused on end of life care and comfort for the patient. This, I know, is not always an easy task. Our staff has seen some of the most heartbreaking moments as well as some of the most extraordinary moments in the lives of our patients and families. Though I have not seen those moments first-hand, I know that there are times when we all need someone to ask for help or thank for abundant blessings.

Since beginning to read Sarah Young’s book, I’ve learned several lessons. Most importantly, I’ve learned that peace comes slowly. All we have to do is ask for help.

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.

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. Read More »

LOL!

What does that mean? LOL. We are in a new technological cyber fast-fingered age of the English Language. For those of you not hip to the initials, it means: “Laugh Out Loud”. Or if it is really, really funny, you could say ROFL. Stumped? It means “Rolling on the Floor Laughing”.

Your laughing now, aren’t you? Well you should be! They say laughter is good for the soul. It has medicinal qualities. “The old saying that ‘laughter is the best medicine,’ definitely appears to be true when it comes to protecting your heart,” says Michael Miller, M.D., director of the Center for Preventive Cardiology at the University of Maryland Medical Center and a professor of medicine at the University of Maryland School of Medicine. So why don’t we do it more often if it helps our heart? We need to learn to incorporate it into our daily work schedules. Read More »