Hard to do my job (cna hospice)

Some days it its so hard to do my job, I am a cna for hospice.  When  I go see a pt. who is dying from colon cancer, I feel so sad. I know that could have been my husband instead of the brave pt. I am visiting with. I do not know if I want a new job because I do love helping people and have always felt God lets me glimpse into heaven when showing someone one, the way home. I have been given so many gifts working in hospice. People are good the world over.

God bless all fighting this horriable disease.

Anne; thank you for all that you do. We had a short run (3 days) with hospice for my dad; they were wonderful. They were not there 24/7 but came in when needed - if I called they came right over.

If my back was better I would volunteer.

Hi Anne

 I worked as hospice nurse for about 18 yrs. People used to say how depressing it must. Sure there were depressing times yet I am sure you too have witnessed a lot of living going on in the months before someone passes. There were still times when family could laugh as well as cry. The thing that always bothered me was when family would say: You should have known him/her when they were well. Something I never got to do. The other thing I realize now that my husband is stage 4 EC is just how strong family members are. I pray that I will have the strength I've witnessed. Irene

I work in the medical field and have alway had a high regard for hospice nurses. Its a very difficult and depressing job at times. I'm so sorry that you husband is battling stage 4 EC. My hubby Joe is also battling EC adenocarcinoma at the GE junction with mets to the liver and lymph nodes. He was diagnosed 3 weeks ago but the shock and disbelief is still with us. Cancer is an evil disease. I hate what it does to patients and their families. Joe just had his second chem treatment yesterday. How is your husband doing? Has he had radiation or surgery or is he just doing the chemo?   I will keep you both in my prayers.

Love, prayers and hugs

Jackie and Joe

Hi Jackie

They said surgery is out because it is stage 4 with mets to lymph and lung. He had 2 cycles of chemo. Then a month of radiation and 5FU combination. He gets a cat scan this Thursday and we will find out on the 17th if the chemo has been productive. This week he's been coughing more, seems to be at the stent site where the major tumor is. Don't know if this is good or bad. I hate this waiting and not knowing. Sending prayers to you and Joe.

Irene

On Nov 06, 2010 4:07 PM eastwest wrote:

Hi Anne

 I worked as hospice nurse for about 18 yrs. People used to say how depressing it must. Sure there were depressing times yet I am sure you too have witnessed a lot of living going on in the months before someone passes. There were still times when family could laugh as well as cry. The thing that always bothered me was when family would say: You should have known him/her when they were well. Something I never got to do. The other thing I realize now that my husband is stage 4 EC is just how strong family members are. I pray that I will have the strength I've witnessed. Irene

Dear Irene

18 years is a long time and yes I have seen alot of living, have shared in peoples lives even had the blessing of being there when they left this world, to start a new adventure in heaven. I have had some family's say I wish you could have know them when. But I do believe that God sends us to be in someones lives when he feels we are needed.

I am so sorry about your husband, I have had trouble being on this side of the fence at times. Life is stressful and I know God never gives us more than we can handle but I have to pray sometimes to tell him my plate is full. I will keep you and your  husband in my prayers if that is o.k.

Anne

I have to say that I know your work is hard and I could not personally do it, but if it wasnt for our ONA and our nurses, I couldnt of gotten through it at all. You guys are a blessing to the patients and customers. I will pray that GOD will give you the strenght to do what is right for you and whatever choice you make, remember its for yourself. Thanks for what you have done, its a hard choice but only angels like you can do it! Whatever you decide, were here for you