More about hospice care - from someone who knows much more than I

Thank goodness for Dr. Wendy S. Harpham's comment on my previous post about hospice care. I admit that I am pretty pragmatic about things - after all, when facing possible removal of my left ear, I was already scouting out sources that could create snap-on ears for each holiday (bling, I want bling, if I can't have the real thing). I approach my palliative care plan the same way and expect my caregivers to respect that viewpoint. However, I know that is not how everyone views their personal road. I am putting Dr. Harpham's comment here, so you can easily find the wonderful information she shares (I added direct links to the resources):

"I appreciate your perspective and advice. But your comments make it sound like hospice is just another practical decision in life.

Hospice is a highly-charged emotional word and concept. Many healthy people - and I venture most people who are newly diagnosed with life-threatening illness - do not want to think about hospice, let alone discuss it.

I am a vocal advocate for hospice care. In order for patients and their families to optimize use of this healing service, we need to acknowledge and address the understandable emotional obstacles to considering or accepting hospice care. The NPR blog by Leroy Sievers has been a prime example of struggle.

I wrote a column about hospice for professionals in oncology that can be accessed at:
http://www.oncology-times.com/pt/pt-core/template-journal/oncotimes/media/WendyHarpham-H%20Word-OT-Dec252006.pdf

With hope, Wendy"

Added August 12, 2008 - Here is a link to Leroy Sievers latest post regarding his decision about hospice care and the over 100 comments on it: http://www.npr.org/blogs/mycancer/2008/08/a_decision_made.html#commentSection (cheeky)