I am 66 years old. Live Alone. Relatives working. I will have to undergo chemo in several weeks after some tests. I had a lung tumor that was removed on Feb. 08. Stage 1. It went metastatic to the right adrenal gland. I had that removed on 09/09/08. I am in New York City and wondering if anyone knows about a nurse for home health care with Stage IV? I would never try it alone. Tony590
Hi Tony,
You should ask your oncologist for recommendations for a home health care agency, who can put you in touch with a visiting nurse (you should also check with your insurance to see what is covered).
My mom, recently diagnosed as Stage IV NSCLC, is currently undergoing chemo, and I was concerned about my dad being able to carry the load of caregiving, so I got them in touch with a visiting nurse who comes once a week to check out mom's vitals, eating habits, side effects, general well-being, etc. Medicare covers this for 9 weeks, I believe. My mom and dad live in NC and I live in NJ, so this brings me a little bit of comfort.
There are many options for nursing care, but the best place to start is your oncologist, which I where I started with my mom.
Good luck, and I wish you the best in your treatment.
Inkblot
Thanks Inkblot: It's a really serious concern for anyone going through it. I will ask my oncologist when I see hime next week. Thanks and God Bless.
Tony590
Hi Tony: I am older than you and did it alone. Wasnt fun but it was doable. I had radiation at 1 PM and chemo at 2PM. The American Cancer society supplies volunteer drivers if they have them and here in Texas ( I started all this in Maryland ) a cab service drives back and forth to medical center free of charge 10 times. After that it was $25.00 round trip.Transportation was the problem. I was heavily premedicated before my chemo each time and never had nausea or vomiting. I would start with the Am Cancer Society and see what they offer or know of.....Best...............................M.C.
THANKS MOM20CATS: Thanks for replying. I will check out what you told me. Driving in to the medical center will be pretty difficult on my own. Tony590
Tony,
Check with your hospital's social services department. They should be able to provide you with a list of services for everything from transportation to home services. Also, there may be an agency specifically for seniors and the aging in your area like there is in NJ. These agencies offer a lot of services also.
I know you are scared but I'm sure you will handle the chemo just fine. Chemo has come a long way from what it was years ago. The important thing is to let your doctor know at the first sign of any side effects and they can give you many things to help.
God Bless,
Liz
Hi Tony,
Your going to have to ask your surgeon or your oncologist to have a home health care nurse come to your house and help you. They have to recommend it to your insurance company and then they send someone out. Make sure you tell them you have no body to help you,
I had that after my second surgery and I was very helpful. I had 3 nurses come to visit me. I was home on 02 and they came the first week I was home and at that time I didn't need one. But it was good to have
What hospital were you treated at?
I had my surgery at Memorial Sloan, both surgeries.
GOD BLESS
Linda
Hi Liz: Thanks for replying. After my two surgeries, one for the lung and one for the adrenal metastasis, I will be going for a pet scan to see if there is any evidence of disease. Chemo is scary, but the metastasis is in the blood and this may be my only alternative. God Bless Tony590
Add to the discussion