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In a group, everyone has a role—the planner, the comedian, the peacemaker. It just sort of happens, and we rarely even think about our own role in a group. In my cancer support groups, one of my roles is “the person who tells people to call hospice.”
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What a touching post (and informative), Phyllis — thank you. I've been involved with hospice twice, and both experiences have been superior. They're a great group. I love how you position your response to fit whatever the situation calls for - comfort for the patient, and/or the family. Keep on keeping on - you're filling a vital role in your cancer support groups. PJH
Thanks, PJ. Each day when I talk to my family, they mention another way that Hospice is helping. Because hospices are local organizations and because they work with people in emotional crisis, every time I recommend them so wholeheartedly, I hold my breath thinking someone will write in with a hospice horror story. But so far the response has always been like yours. I'm glad they were there for you when you needed them.
Hospice was also there for my Mom, Dad, and me when my Mom was diagnosed with terminal lung cancer back in 2004. I can't begin to tell you how wonderful they were. The social worker handled oodles of paperwork to be notarized and had my Mom and Dad write up a "life book," a story of my parents' life accompanied by photos. My brother and I treasure that book. A hospice volunteer was a God-send to my parents when my brother and I could not be there to help them. I have heard nothing but good things about hospice from everyone who has used them.
Thanks for adding your experience. I forgot to mention how relieved my mother was to find out how hospice will help with the paperwork in addition the usual things we think about such as pain relief and so forth.
Thanks for adding your experience. I forgot to mention how relieved my mother was to find out how hospice will help with the paperwork in addition the usual things we think about such as pain relief and so forth.