Hello,
Today I was informed that my father will most likely be taken off of Hospice, if things remain as they are, at his re-evaluation because his physical condition has not declined since his admission. He remains severely confused., and this part of it is getting worse, very slowly, but steady.
I toured the dementia unit today (this is NOT what he has)but they wanted to show it to me anyway, in case I thought my Dad might be more comfortable there, because there is a bit more freedom to roam, but is a closed unit for safety. I decided against it, don't like the general feel of it.
I am very frustrated. The meso is not progressing the way I was led to believe it would. He just lingers, being severely confused, agitated and angry at times, happy at others, and very weak., though he still walks around like a zombie.
I have again asked for some blood work and a psychiatric eval. of current meds to make sure they are appropriate and not doing more harm than good.
The VA Social worker is going to pursue my concerns with the Hospice as I can't seem to be able to make my point with them.
I am most likely going to take him off Hospice next week. None of this makes any sense, and it is very hard to live feeling like I should be doing something for him, and people are standing in the way.
Hospice claims that they would always treat any kind of acute injury/illness unrelated to the cancer should it happen. So why is it that if a persons mental state does a nose dive in less than a weeks time, it is not considered an emergency and get examined? I do not understand this at all, and I seem to be the only one.
Someone please enlighted me if I'm the one being thick headed...
Diane

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Diane
Caregiver of Thomas (my Dad,82)
Pleural epithelial meso
dx 11/10
Our battle ended March 16, 2012. Together.

Diane, as soon as he comes off hospice demand that he be evaluated by a neurologist to get to the bottom of this confusion. The VA system has not done justice in caring for your dad, a vet who served his country. What is his insurance situation. You can email me privately to discuss to ascertain if we can get him evaluated outside of the VA system. Mary

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Mary Hesdorffer, NP
Medical Liaison, Mesothelioma Foundation