After many months of chemotherapy, it became apparent that treatment to slow the progression of Bob’s cancer was not working this time. Having beaten cancer once before while in his 40’s, Bob was hopeful he could do it again. But after a lengthy conversation with his doctor, Bob decided to make the most of the time he had left by living life to the fullest on his own terms. Now, with the help of Merrimack Valley Hospice, he is hopeful for more golf games with his buddies, dances with his wife and walks with his children and grandchildren.
The admission nurse of Merrimack Valley Hospice met with Bob and his wife within hours of the referral from his doctor. She discussed medications prescribed to help Bob with pain and other symptoms and reassured him that side effects were minimal and would not interfere with all he still wanted to accomplish. She also described other services that were available to him and his family as his illness progressed including social workers, chaplains, home health aides and volunteers. Most importantly, she explained that although the road ahead would be difficult at times, he had a team of professionals from Merrimack Valley Hospice that would be there to help him every step of the way.