Seeking Peace:
Brain Tumor Hospice Care
The journey with a brain tumor is an emotional roller coaster for patient and caregiving family alike.
Anyone who has been a part of this experience understands the difficulty of these ups and downs. But no matter how long or hard the journey...no matter what the grade or type of tumor...when the road narrows and it is time to think about end-stage comfort, no one feels truly ready for the letting go.
I've created this site so that caregivers approaching this important new junction may recognize and understand end-stage events that are likely to happen, as well as find support in providing the best of loving care during this critical time.
The Symptom Timeline
While the end stage path varies from person to person, there do tend to be commonalities that can help us to "see what we're seeing," and often, to estimate how much time might remain.
End-Stage Landmarks
These landmarks are signs that the brain tumor patient is moving through the natural end-time process. Learn how to look for signs of progression and read tips to deal with them.
Bringing Hospice on Board
It is difficult for the caregiver to accept that a corner has been turned, and it can be both frightening and intimidating to make the decision to transition into hospice care. The information here is designed to help.
The Role of Steroids in the End Stage
Edema, or swelling, is a given at advanced stages of the disease. Managing the swelling through the use of the steroid dexamethasone can maximize patient comfort and meaningful interactions with the family.
Improving Communication with the Patient
Communication with the patient can become increasingly challenging as symptoms progress. This guide can help facilitate conversation in a way that is less stressful for both patient and caregiver.
Join the Facebook Group
The group allows brain tumor caregivers to connect with one another for support and information.
What Brings Me Here
This site is my labor of love in Dad's memory and my gesture of friendship and support for you. I can't imagine that I'll ever consider it done. But my dream remains: one day a cure will be announced, and this site will no longer be needed by anyone. It will be my great joy to shut it down.
“I can never lose one whom I have loved unto the end; one to whom my soul cleaves so firmly that it can never be separated does not go away but only goes before.”
— St. Bernard of Clairvaux