What does PALLIATIVE CARE really mean anyway?

Today I have an appointment with a palliative care doctor. My nurse recommended it. As the date grew nearer I started wondering what exactly to expect at this appointment. My mind immediately went to HOSPIC CARE like thinking terminal patients needed morphine patches. That thought made me sad and depressed because I don't feel like that's me. I am at home, still living, albeit in pain, and I have years and hopefully decades left to live. When I looked up the definition, here's what GOOGLE says,"Palliative care is specialized medical care that focuses on giving relief from the symptoms, pain, and stress of a serious illness." "Purpose and GoalsThe main goal is to improve the quality of life for both the patient and their family. It treats the whole person, not just the disease. It helps with:Physical signs like pain, nausea, fatigue, and trouble sleeping.Emotional and mental stress like anxiety and depression.Matching your treatment choices with your personal goals." So this makes sense. I definately want help with sleep. And I want some real answers for the bone pain- not just drugs. I want an expert to actually LOOK at my scans and see if any tumors are pressing on nerves and could be raditated. I read it gives instant relief. I had to look this up myself to learn it is an option as nobody mentioned it in my care team. This upsets me a little bit because I don't want to have to be my own doctor; I want to focus on healing. Thankfully, I have a virtual appointment with a nationally leading breast cancer expert from Mass General in a few weeks. I want to hear if we are doing everything correctly and agressively according to my exact cancer and staging. I won't put my life in the hands of one small town oncologist who generalizes in all cancers. Too risky.

Comments

  1. JoanneAugust 26, 2026 at 10:16 AM

    Good luck with your appointment with the palliative care doctor. I hope they can offer you relief from your pain. You are strong, Roxanne; yes to decades!

    ReplyDelete

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