Renal Cell Carcinoma (Kidney Cancer) Support Group

Good Morning, Darlin!

I found this information, and thought it might be helpful.

Palliative care (from Latin palliare, to cloak) is any form of medical care or treatment that concentrates on reducing the severity of disease symptoms, rather than striving to halt, delay, or reverse progression of the disease itself or provide a cure. The goal is to prevent and relieve suffering and to improve quality of life for people facing serious, complex illness. Non-hospice palliative care is not dependent on prognosis and is offered in conjunction with curative and all other appropriate forms of medical treatment.

In the United States a distinction is made between general palliative care and hospice care, which delivers palliative care to those at the end of life; with the two aspects of care sharing a similar philosophy but differing in their payment systems and location of services. Elsewhere, for example in the UK, this distinction is not operative: in addition to specialized hospices, non-hospice-based palliative care teams provide care to those with life-limiting illness at any stage of disease.

Since my husband is on no treatment, he's only getting palliative care...which is through his oncologist and internist.

I've used Hospice for both of my parents. They are truly wonderful, and offer so much family support. When you sign on with Hospice, which has to be ordered by your physician, they take over all communication with the doctors and supply all pain medication. I can't tell you how awesome their counseling and support is. We will eventually call them in. However, for now....things are working well as they are.

It's definitely a personal decision. We all must decide what is best at the time. There is no right or wrong choice.

I pray this was somewhat helpful.

Please know that you and your husband are in my constant thoughts and prayers, as we walk this cancer journey together. I'm always here for you.

May God give you strength, faith, and hope!

My love,
Ingrid

Thanks, Ingrid. My hubby had his last appointment with his oncologist yesterday, and since he is not undergoing further treatment, his options were to be transferred to hospice or to another physician for palliative care, which is the route he's taking. We meet with the palliative care doctor on Friday, and I'm sure he will clarify the difference between palliative care and hospice for us, and will know when to recommend the move to hospice care.

Dear kkzimm,

Over the years, I have often thought about how does one receive and accept the moment you describe. This, for now, remains in my mind as my deepest fear.

You are showing me how to be in this most challenging moment and the courage you are showing gives me strength. I am so sorry that you and your husband, and so many others, have to ever face this kind of moment.

I will keep you and your husband in my prayers.

Love,
Linda

The palliative care physician mentioned a website getpalliativecare.org which explains alot.

Thanks for sharing this site. It is filled with wonderful information.

God bless you, my friend!