Status to now

Hopefully, anyone who knows Tom has heard this already, but Tom has Stage 4 Lung Cancer.  The doctors discovered it in late July and he immediately entered hospice care. 

Common questions:

Is he going to fight it?  The doctor said it was incurable and Tom chose not to treat the cancer and is instead going for strictly palliative care.  That means no chemo, no radiation, no surgery, and no alternative treatments.  He is comfortable with the help of medications provided by the hospice.

Did he ever smoke? An occasional cigar, but he was never "a smoker".

How long does he have?  Neither of us asked the doctor.  For my insurance to cover hospice care, the ife expectancy must be 6 months or less.

Is he planning to travel to Los Angeles?  No.  Some days just sitting is exhausting for him.  While he would love to go back west, it is just not practical.  There are memorials planned in Los Angeles and New Orleans.

Can people come visit?  Tom's strength is day to day.  While we try to limit the number of visitors at any given time, there are times that seem to be more popular (weekends).  So far, we have been able to give Tom and any out of town visitors time alone, sometimes it is just a meal or some quiet time at home.  There is a local inn www.oldetowninn.com about a mile from the house (and less than a mile from the French Quarter).  If you mention Tom and request the local rate, they have been good about their rates.  There are some times that are not available for visitors.  Please check before any plans are made.  It is about a 15 minute ride to the airport (or a $40 taxi ride).  I am usually available to pick people up from the airport.  Not only is it cheaper, but it gives me a chance to let visitors know of Tom's current status.

Can Tom's friends do anything, is there anything that he needs?  If there is anything that reminds you of time with Tom, or something that you know he is fond of- he welcomes it.  As far as money goes, there are medical bills left from before he entered hospice.  We do not expect any bills from the hospice.

Is Tom at home?  Tom is doing hospice at home.  He gets to watch lots of baseball and old movies.  I work from home, and am his caregiver.

Hurricane Isaac - The storm,and the subsequent power outages were hard on Tom.  Hopefully, he is slowly recovering.

Will Tom end up in the hospital ever?  No, Tom will not go to the hospital. 


That is about it for the questions that I have been asked most often,  I will try to post fairly frequent updates.