| When the odds of your loved one surviving the | | | | you, long term cancer hospice care and respite |
| cancer they are suffering from get smaller, it is | | | | care is available. |
| time to think about hospice care. Family members | | | | No one is telling you to wear a smiley face when |
| need to let go of their own wishes for "fighting | | | | someone close to you is likely to die. Coping with |
| the good fight" and listen to the desires of the | | | | end of life issues and staying present for your |
| patient. | | | | loved one are vital parts in letting him or her die |
| When odds of survival are minimal, the | | | | at peace. Respite care tied in with hospice care |
| treatments may in reality impair the quality of life | | | | helps you get ready for what is to come when |
| your loved one has left. Yet, hospice care is not | | | | your loved will no longer be there. |
| equivalent to a death sentence; there have been | | | | You may need to slowly phase yourself out of |
| many who have gone through months of hospice | | | | day to day care and think about picking up the |
| care and emerged renewed while showing no | | | | neglected threads of your own life. It is normal to |
| signs of relapse. | | | | forget about other loved ones who also count on |
| Yes, it is a difficult decision. Hope for a miracle | | | | you. |
| turnaround versus the graceful recognition of fate | | | | Cancer care with hospice care is for dying with |
| is clashing within you. You must learn to prepare | | | | dignity. Respite care is for going on with your life |
| yourself for the end of this process, even as you | | | | with self-respect and hope. |
| are still hoping and praying for a miracle. To help | | | | |