Category Archives: hospice

THE BIG BUSINESS OF DYING

Posted on April 17, 2023 by Amy Getter

As the saying goes, there are two things we can’t avoid: death and taxes. Another less-known and also difficult-to-avoid situation is the cost of dying. While attending a recent webinar on end-of-life care, I listened to the phrase “the death … Continue reading →

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AULD LANG SYNE

Posted on December 29, 2016 by Amy Getter

Tradition says that a new year brings with it new hope and new goals. Some of us even write these down, placing a slip of paper carefully in a carved wooden box to bring out next year, the talisman of … Continue reading →

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THE LAST DOSE

Posted on September 30, 2016 by Amy Getter

It’s been nearly 30 years since the evening as a fairly new nurse I had been assigned to the oncology floor. I still remember my patient (a young woman in her mid thirties with advanced ovarian cancer) the mother of … Continue reading →

Posted in end of life care, family of the dying, hospice, hospice story | 3 Comments

PLAY YOUR MUSIC

Posted on July 26, 2016 by Amy Getter

While sitting quietly, I listened while he talked about years that have “flown” by, and the changes that life had wrought, not just in the physical body, but the faded career, the fractured relationships, the plans that were collected in … Continue reading →

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MAKE A WISH

Posted on May 27, 2016 by Amy Getter

I met a woman recently who works for the “Make a wish” program, and we shared stories about granting wishes.  She made an emphatic statement, “I’m so glad most of my clients have ‘a life limiting illness’ but aren’t necessarily … Continue reading →

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WHAT WE WORK FOR

Posted on October 9, 2014 by Amy Getter

Someone reminded me of a note I wrote a number of years ago, working for a hospice agency that was struggling with staying true to the ideal of hospice in the midst of growth and financial burden and government regulation. … Continue reading →

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A CEREBRAL DEATH

Posted on February 6, 2014 by Amy Getter

Some symptoms that perplex and challenge the medical professionals that deal with dying patients have terms like “terminal agitation/anxiety” and “spiritual distress” at the end of life.  There are medications to alleviate these symptoms, but not effectively eliminating the tension and angst that … 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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COUNTRY MOUSE AND CITY MOUSE

Posted on February 14, 2013 by Amy Getter

As I exited the car, I dodged a large “shoe magnet”, as we affectionately call the remains from dog walkers who don’t bring a baggy for their dogs in the morning.  Another nurse and I approached the entrance of a homely, flat-top stucco … Continue reading →

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A MAGIC PILL

Posted on November 27, 2012 by Amy Getter

As the “national hospice month” comes to a close, I am cognizant of articles in newspapers, blogs, TV series and other notable media that have highlighted palliative care, hospice services, having the difficult conversations, etc., etc.  I am always pleased to see a little … Continue reading →

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