How do you know?

Hello. I just recently found out my mom has linitis plastica. After reading several posts, I am confused as to how to know when hospice is needed.

My mom was recently released from the hospital after a 3 1/2 weeks stay after going in for extreme dehydration/exhaustion. While in the hospital, she had a J tube inserted. She has received two rounds of chemo as well. So far, the vomiting has been controlled with IV meds in the hospital, but I am not sure how it will be now that there is no more IV meds. Her legs are swollen, but can this be from fluid retention from all the fluids in the hospital?

I am just wondering how you knew you needed to get hospice care?

It has been two months since the diagnisos, and I am exhausted. My mom has no spouse, so alot of care and support come from me and my husband, and we are raised two young boys as well. I am not sure how I am going to do this.

I am so sorry to hear of your mom's diagnosis.  My mum was misdiagosed for 8 months and finally diagnosed with linitis plastica (stage IV) in Nov 07, so she has had the disease for 2 years now and although she is currently in hospital for pain/nausea control, she has not needed hospice care and has been able to live at home.  My father died of brain cancer when he was 39, so my mum is also without a partner and I am her primary carer. 

Have the doctor's informed you of what stage the disease is at?  If it is stage IV, ask the doctors to advise you as to what other areas have been affected.  This will give you a better idea of what your mom's future treatment and care needs will be.  It will also provide an indication of what symptoms to expect.  Best of wishes to you and your mum.

You will know. You just know. Remeber that Hospice is available at many stages of cancer/treatment/etc. With my real dad (lost both my dad and step dad to cancer 18 years apart.), we had hospice and had to cancel their services 3 times!!!! They are essentially there to help your loved one go through the transition into the end of life but they are also there to manage pain through treatments, surgeries, whatever. The doctors will know when it's time for end-of-life care. There will be a lot more sleeping, detachment to family members and loved ones, very little eating and interacting. Just stay in touch with the doctors. They will let you know when it's time.

 It's a hard thing to go through. You need a good support system. And prayer.

I'm happy to answer any questions you have about this subject. I'm no expert but I will share my experience. It's a hard story to tell so I will spare you here but I will gladly share it to anyone it may help.