Sherryl has been resting as much as possible the past several days. Her appetite is returning slowly, but she is experiencing some pain in her right hip. She has difficulty walking, still uses her walker, and wants to do more walking each day -- even if it's only around the house. She has an appointment with her oncologist this week and she's hoping the doctor will prescribe a mild medication for pain.
Sherryl contacted Hospice by phone and spoke with a nurse case manager who told her she did not yet need Hospice's care, but now is a good time to understand all the program has to offer. Sherryl scheduled an appointment at the Hospice Center the following week to meet with the case manager and to learn about all of Hospice's services and benefits.
The case manager was as kind in person as she was on the phone. Patient and gentle, she explained the scope of the program and stated that Hospice "supports life." She explained that Hospice assumes care when a doctor and patient agree to stop aggressive treatment, i.e., chemotherapy. The woman told Sherryl that she (Sherryl) would be able to select her own case manager when the time comes. Sherryl recalled the telephone conversation she'd had with the same woman with whom she was meeting, and she recalled this woman saying to her that she did not yet need their services. Sherryl's response was, "If you're available, I'd like for it to be you. You gave me a string to a balloon."
Hold on to that string, RaRa. It's helium-powered hope. That balloon will keep you and your spirits buoyed. And we're all here to help you, too.
~xoxo~
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