Get Palliative Care Get Palliative Care

Amy is in her mid-40s and loves the outdoors—especially biking, hiking, and walking her dog.

In the fall of 2018, she felt a lump on her neck, and when it did not go away, she visited her primary care doctor. After many tests, she was diagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer that had spread to her lymph nodes and femur (thigh bone). She was devastated and scared.

A few weeks later, Amy started treatment with radiation and a medicine that helps the body’s immune system fight cancer. This combination can get cancer under control but can cause side effects.

After a month, Amy’s cancer doctor recognized that she could use an extra layer of support to deal with her symptoms and stress. A palliative care nurse started to visit her at home every week and was available by phone whenever Amy needed to reach out. She helped Amy through her difficult treatments, both physically and emotionally. The goal was to get her back to feeling like herself again, which to her, meant being active and riding her bike.

This is Amy’s palliative care story.

Rae Anne, a cancer survivor and former palliative care patient, sits down with Dr. Anthony Back, a palliative care and cancer doctor. During their conversation, they discuss how the palliative care team sees the patient as a person, focusing on their individual goals. They also talk about how palliative care helped Rae Anne and her family manage her symptoms and understand the path forward.

After struggling with shortness of breath for many years, Betsy was referred to a special lung care clinic. Worsening symptoms limited her ability to remain active, which in turn led to anxiety and depression. She struggled to care for her home and visit with friends; and felt like a burden to her husband. Betsy’s world was getting smaller.

At the lung care clinic, she met Dr. Patty Fogelman, doctor of nursing practice – who is trained to treat lung disease and as a palliative care provider. At the time, Betsy, a retired nurse, didn’t have an in-depth understanding of palliative care. In the years to come, she and her husband, and their family learned how palliative care manages many symptoms, and eases the many burdens faced by those living with serious illnesses. It also meant that Betsy learned new ways to enjoy her life.

This is Betsy’s palliative care story.

Rae Anne, a cancer survivor and former palliative care patient, interviews Dr. Diane E. Meier, a palliative care doctor and director emerita of the Center to Advance Palliative Care. During their conversation, Rae Anne shares how palliative care helped her and her family. Together they discuss the benefits of palliative care, how the team takes care of the patient and caregivers, and more.

Alzheimer’s disease and dementia are mostly known for memory loss that worsens over time, but it comes with a range of complex needs – for the person diagnosed and the family. And the health needs and safety concerns for all involved typically increase as the disease progresses.

Ann, a 92-year-old mother, grandmother, and former nurse, has been living with dementia for about 7 years. She also has COPD and heart problems. Ann has been able to stay in her own home with the help of her daughter Holly, care from home aides, and a palliative care team.

Holly and her family know firsthand that the palliative care team improves the quality of life for people with dementia and their caregivers by adding a layer of support.

This is Ann and Holly’s palliative care story.

The COVID-19 virus is still circulating in the U.S. and millions of people are still testing positive. Thankfully, most who come down with COVID-19 don’t have to be hospitalized. Even so, for many the symptoms can be extensive and recovery can take weeks or months.

Listen to one woman’s COVID-19 experience, including the palliative care she received that helped keep her at home, and how she coped through six weeks with more than a dozen different and debilitating symptoms.

This is Bobye’s story.