Janetnews.com Blog

I have been at Baylor University Medical Center since May 3.  My dad had pancreatic cancer.  Thank God the doctors found it early to where he is now cancer free.  He had complications and ended up back at the hospital only 2 days after he was released on May 13.  Life changed drastically when last Friday my mom was diagnosed with cancer.  Now, I have two parents just 1 floor apart at Baylor hospital.  No one can tell until cancer hits your family on how you will react or feel.  Right now I feel helpless, emotional and fatigued.    Here are some things I have learned since my parents have been in the hospital:

• Doctors don’t have all the answers.
• All nurses do not have the same knowledge.
• Tests come back at least 2 to 3 days later
• When you press the nurses button, it doesn’t mean someone comes immediately to your room.
• ICU is NOT pleasant.
• Cancer doesn’t necessarily mean a death sentence.
• Try to sleep when you can because interruptions are inevitable.
• Friends become angels.
• Strangers give hugs.
• Always stay with your loved one in the hospital. 
• The food… not so good.
• Bring a jacket to the hospital… rooms can get cold.
• Great Doctors become guardian angels.
• Family members must take care of themselves
• Utilize the hospital hotel for critical nights at the hospital.  It soothes not only the patient but also yourself.
• Most importantly:  Speak up!  Don’t be afraid to tell doctors how you notice drugs affect your loved ones.  Become the advocate for your loved one… listen to everything that doctors tell you… ask them to explain it again… if you still don’t understand what it is… ask them again.  Ask other family members to attend doctor consultations as well.  Just don’t assume all nurses and doctors know best… I have found that doctors have actually been grateful for my input in my mom and dad’s care.  I know more about them than they do… I have spent 34 years with my parents… nurses especially spend only a few hours taking care of your loved one.  I actually had to tell a nurse to lay off the pain medication and guess what… she listened.  Nurses and doctors appreciate the input.  It’s a team effort and you’re always a part of the team.

So, those are my suggestions.  I just think that more information on what family members should expect while a family member is in the hospital should be available.  Remember drugs change people and your loved ones might say and do unbelievable things… don’t worry… their body is healing it’s not really them.  For everyone who has someone in the hospital and who is fighting cancer… may God bless you and your family.