COMPELLING EMOTIONS

"Theresa", fifty years old, was diagnosed with stomach cancer four months ago. She was discharged from the hospital yesterday after a two week stay for surgery. Theresa has been in a rapid decline since her diagnosis to where she is now bedridden/chairbound and maximum assist with transfers. Theresa needs assistance with all of her needs.

Theresa has four children; three adult and one six year old daughter. Theresa’s eldest daughter, “Janice”, has moved in for the duration in order to care for her mom. Theresa is aware and realistic regarding her increasing needs. She will talk openly and freely about them, but will not talk at all about her terminal prognosis. Denial is such a powerful emotion, it helps one cope in baby steps. Theresa will talk about her needs and share how it is so overwhelming to talk with her six year old daughter about her terminal prognosis. Her denial helps her cope with it all.

We completed a new POLST (Physician’s Order for Life Sustaining Treatment) form following Theresa’s wishes of full code and full treatment during the visit. Theresa stated she did not want to go back to the hospital if hospice can treat her in the home, unless she stopped breathing. At that point, she wants full treatment and care. Theresa will complete her Advanced Directive for Health Care this week naming her daughter Janice as her agent.

We discussed that her agent can override what is on the POLST if a situation arises when Janice would know that her mom wouldn’t want full treatment. Theresa was aware and understood. Theresa is still processing her diagnosis and will continue to cope her way. Life hands all of us bumps in the road, but some bumps are so much larger than others. I pray Theresa is able to cope with what comes her way.


COMPELLING EMOTIONS

She has a powerful personality.
She will easily speak her truth.
One knows exactly how she feels
as she clearly shares her compelling emotions.

A recent diagnosis of cancer
with surgery only last week.
Her prognosis of six months or less
led hospice to her front door.

Her decline has been swift.
Her symptoms overriding each day.
She will talk honestly about her needs,
but strongly will not discuss her probable death.

She wants hospice support of comfort and treatment
knowing we are not a curative program.
She is okay calling hospice and not 911
unless she has a time that she stops breathing.

Then she will want life supports and CPR.
She’ll want a feeding tube to give her more time.
It is all so overwhelming for her,
especially telling her six year old daughter goodbye.

Hospice will support her where she is.
We honor her to do things her way.
Her heart is full of so much emotion,
but the most compelling emotion of all
is her very strong and powerful;
          Denial