Author Archives: Amy Getter

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About Amy Getter

MS, RN, CHPN

LEAVES, GEESE AND OTHER RAMBLINGS

Posted on November 3, 2013 by Amy Getter

I watched a flock of geese flying into a field and recognized the poignant fact that fall was transitioning into winter.  I sensed a weight of sadness, knowing the individual shimmery colors would be replaced by grey, cold days, and … Continue reading →

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MYSTERIOUS TIMING

Posted on October 24, 2013 by Amy Getter

Some years ago I met a couple who did everything together. I remember the man after discovering his partner of 60 years was diagnosed with terminal cancer, said emphatically,  “I’m terminal, too.” Perhaps none of us believed him fully. But … Continue reading →

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THE CONVERSATION

Posted on October 4, 2013 by Amy Getter

It seems that our dinner table is the place for all family levity and includes heavy discussions and lighthearted disagreements.  As we pass around the pasta, we begin pounding out our opinion about a medical study, a friend’s Facebook posting, … Continue reading →

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TO WHIPPLE OR NOT TO WHIPPLE

Posted on September 26, 2013 by Amy Getter

I recently discovered that an acquaintance “has to have a Whipple procedure”.  And I can’t help but think to myself, who says she “has to”? With an average life expectancy of well under a year, I have come to believe … Continue reading →

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A Hospice patient’s Bill of Rights

Posted on September 15, 2013 by Amy Getter

A Hospice patient’s Bill of Rights I have the right to die the way I  choose to. I have the right to all the information about my disease/condition that is collected by my medical team. I have the right to … Continue reading →

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Laughter IS the best medicine

Posted on September 1, 2013 by Amy Getter

Sometimes humor creeps in when the situation least appears funny.  I suggested to Jean that the rest of the family suffered along with her, and she told me to go away, get the hell out, and said a number of … Continue reading →

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SMILE

Posted on August 14, 2013 by Amy Getter

As I sat listening to a great jazz rendition of the song “Smile”, I saw Ella in my mind’s eye.  I met her just briefly- in the middle of a humble living room, lying in her hospital bed, pale as the sheet over … Continue reading →

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THE WEDDING PLANNER

Posted on August 3, 2013 by Amy Getter

I imagine she looks like she is dying now…..no one other than family members are allowed in to see her these final days.  She was a friend a long time ago, and became more distant over the years, as she … Continue reading →

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EXPERIRI

Posted on July 30, 2013 by Amy Getter

We have a saying in hospice, “Leave your agenda at the door”. This is just a simple way of reminding each other to remember whose death it is that we are following, and who is in charge.  I often tell people, hospice … Continue reading →

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REMEMBERING THE STORIES

Posted on July 15, 2013 by Amy Getter

I often want to say thank you to the people that have shared their last moments with me.  I made this statement the other day, “Every death I’ve been at is such a unique experience.” “Really?”  My husband asked me and I elaborated … Continue reading →

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