Frequently Asked Questions

There are so many difficult emotions that women feel upon being diagnosed with advanced breast cancer, including fear, anxiety, anger and guilt. So the first thing to realize is that your reaction is normal, and it’s OK to feel extremely upset.

The second thing to know is that, although it may feel like an immediate death sentence, a diagnosis of advanced breast cancer does not mean you will die tomorrow. It does mean you will have to undergo treatment for the disease pretty much for the rest of your life. But thanks to treatment advances being made all the time, many women with advanced breast cancer are able to live for months and even years with a good quality of life.

It is very important for you, once you get over the initial shock and distress of diagnosis, to find the support and information resources that will help you live your life to the fullest. These may include family, friends, neighbors, colleagues, religious or lay counselors, therapists, medical professionals, support groups, hotlines, websites and more.

To get started, you may want to call the toll-free LBBC Helpline at (888) 753-5222, which is staffed by trained volunteers affected by breast cancer, and where you can be connected with women in similar circumstances.

Reviewed by Elyse Spatz Caplan, MA

Telling family members – especially children – about an advanced breast cancer diagnosis is one of the first things many women worry about. The most important thing to remember is that children can sense if you’re distressed and hiding something from them. It’s extremely important to discuss the situation honestly with them, let them know what you’re going through, and how they can help. It’s also important to reassure them that they did not do anything to cause the cancer and that they will always have someone to take care of them.

Here are some resources to help you find the best way to tell your children about your diagnosis:

• American Cancer Society's Helping Children When a Family Member Has Cancer: Dealing with Diagnosis and Helping Children When A Family Member Has Cancer: Dealing With A Parent's Terminal Illness
• The Mothers’ Living Stories Project list of resources specifically for parents living with cancer
• KidsKonnected.org -- an organization that provides support and information for children who have a parent with cancer

Reviewed by Elyse Spatz Caplan, MA

After being diagnosed with a serious illness, it’s normal to feel like you’ve entered another world that no one else knows or understands. But you are not alone in that world. Tens of thousands of women are living in the United States and around the world with metastatic breast cancer. And thanks to recent advances in research and treatment, they are living longer and with a better quality of life than ever before.

To relieve feelings of isolation, consider joining a support group for women with advanced breast cancer at a hospital, cancer treatment or wellness center. If a group for women with metastatic disease is not available, you may find going to a general cancer support group helpful. You may also find support through online listservs or virtual support groups. The LBBC Helpline at (888) 753-LBBC (5222) can connect you with women in similar circumstances. The Helpline is staffed by trained volunteers affected by breast cancer.

Here are some other resources for information and support:

• Advanced Breast Cancer Community
• AdvancedBC.org
• BCmets.org
• MetaCancer
• American Cancer Society: (800) 227-2345, cancer.org
• Breast Cancer Network of Strength: (800) 221-2141, networkofstrength.org
• Cancer Support Community: (888) 793-9355, cancersupportcommunity.org
• Young Survival Coalition: (877) 972-1011, youngsurvival.org

Reviewed by Elyse Spatz Caplan, MA

The uncertainty of not knowing if the treatment(s) your doctors have prescribed will work or when the cancer will progress can be devastating. But there are ways to cope with the uncertainty while continuing to maintain an active and satisfying lifestyle. By better understanding the disease and treatment options and taking a more active role in pursuing those options, you can regain a sense of control over your life. Meditation, support groups, counseling and spiritual resources can enhance your well-being and help relieve the anxiety, worry and fear linked to a diagnosis of advanced breast cancer. These feelings are normal, but you can learn ways to prevent them from being overwhelming. Take the time to seek the support you need during this difficult time in your life.

Reviewed by Elyse Spatz Caplan, MA

If you developed a good relationship with your oncologist, you may want to stay with him or her. Some women feel more continuity and comfort by staying with their original doctor. But you may also want to consider getting a second opinion from another breast cancer expert. Many women with advanced breast cancer seek out second opinions before making treatment decisions.

Reviewed by Elyse Spatz Caplan, MA

Usually you will get a different treatment than the one you already received. Some medications, such as trastuzumab (brand name: Herceptin) for HER2-positive breast cancer, or the aromatase inhibitors for estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer, may not have been available to you when you were first diagnosed, but may be options for you now.

Reviewed by Clifford A. Hudis, MD

Yes, be sure to tell your doctor what other complementary treatments you are considering in addition to the treatment your doctor has prescribed. Your doctor can make sure that these other treatments won’t interfere with the effectiveness and safety of your chemotherapy.

Some complementary treatments may enhance your well-being and may help you better deal with the cancer. They can help reduce physical and emotional side effects and enable you to play an important role in your own care. But complementary treatments are meant to be taken with, not instead of, your prescribed treatment.

Remember that most herbal remedies or vitamin supplements have not been tested for safety and effectiveness. To find out more about herbs, vitamins, over-the-counter remedies and other complementary treatments, go to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center Web site. It’s a good idea to educate yourself about the benefits and drawbacks of specific complementary treatments before discussing them with your doctor.

Reviewed by Elyse Spatz Caplan, MA

Exploring clinical trial options with your doctor may be a good approach to gathering as much information as possible before making treatment decisions. You may want to participate in clinical trials because it may not only benefit you, but it may also help researchers get answers to questions about the safety or effectiveness of newly-developed treatments that will help others with breast cancer in the future.

There are a number of promising investigational treatments for advanced breast cancer. Your doctor can help you weigh the risks and benefits and decide if an investigational therapy is a good option for you.

Reviewed by Rebecca S.Trupp, RN, OCN, CBPN-IC

There are many resources available to help you find a clinical trial that will fit with your treatment needs, disease and treatment history, and lifestyle preferences. These include:

• Your doctors. Talk to your oncologist and other doctors on your healthcare team about clinical trials that they may have available for you at the institution where you receive your care, or that may be available in your area. Many doctors participate in ongoing trials or know about others that are enrolling people all over the country. If your oncologist doesn’t have an available trial for you, ask how you can learn about trials at other treatment centers.
• Living Beyond Breast Cancer offers a comprehensive Clinical Trials Resource Center with links to extensive clinical trial information and listings.
• EmergingMed is a Web site and telephone service that is constantly updated with all clinical trials available, organized by tumor type. It provides extensive information about how clinical trials are run and how to find one that may be right for you through the Web site at www.emergingmed.com and telephone counselors at (877) 601-8601.
• The National Cancer Institute lists clinical trials all over the world on its Web site at www.cancer.gov/clinicaltrials and gives information by phone at (800) 422-6237. The same information organized in a different way is available from the U.S. National Library of Medicine at www.clinicaltrials.gov. You may want to check both sites to see which works better for you.

As you look into clinical trials that are enrolling women affected by breast cancer, here are some issues to consider and discuss with your doctor:

• What types of treatment might be beneficial to you now, considering your treatment and disease history?
• Are there any tests that might be beneficial in helping to predict how you might respond to treatment? Are these tests investigational or proven to be effective?
• Are you willing to enroll in a trial in which you do not know whether you’ll be receiving the investigational treatment or the standard of care?
• How far are you willing to travel to participate in a trial?
• What are the potential risks of participating in a clinical trial? What are the alternatives?
• What happens if your disease progresses while you are on a clinical trial?
• What expenses might be involved in participating? Will your insurance cover these expenses? What will the sponsor of the trial cover?

You may also find it helpful to discuss these issues with your oncology nurse or social worker.

Reviewed by Elyse Spatz Caplan, MA

Your doctor should be able to help you with this. You can also do a search by your location and cancer type at ClinicalTrials.gov. This Web site listing both federally and privately supported clinical research gives you information about each trial's purpose, who may participate, locations and phone numbers to call for more details.

Reviewed by Elyse Spatz Caplan, MA

Clinical trials are planned to answer certain research questions. Part of that planning involves recruiting participants who are alike in certain ways—who have the same stage of breast cancer, for example. Researchers also want to make sure participants don’t have particular medical conditions, such as high blood pressure, that might be worsened by certain treatments. People who have specific cancer traits that match those outlined in the clinical trial are eligible and can volunteer as participants in the study. But those who have medical conditions that might be worsened by the treatment will not be allowed into the study.

Reviewed by Elyse Spatz Caplan, MA

You can withdraw from a clinical trial at any time. If you think you want to stop participating in a trial, please discuss your concerns or problems with your doctor or nurse. In many cases, these issues may be resolved and you may decide to remain with the study.

Reviewed by Rebecca S.Trupp, RN, OCN, CBPN-IC

The goal of treatment for advanced breast cancer is to help you live as long as possible with the best quality of life. Even though there is no cure for advanced breast cancer yet, there are many treatments that can slow the progression of the disease and even stop it from progressing for an extended period of time. Many of these treatments have relatively mild side effects, but some of them may have side effects that disrupt your quality of life.

It is extremely important to realize that you do not have to stay on any treatment that’s making you miserable. TELL YOUR HEALTHCARE TEAM IMMEDIATELY if a treatment is causing you pain or discomfort, and together you will be able to decide whether to try changing the dose, taking a break, or switching to a different treatment.

Reviewed by Clifford A. Hudis, MD

Treatment side effects are different for every person, and they can also change over time, so there is no single answer to this question. Important points to remember about side effects the second time around include:

• Even if you had a terrible time with side effects in the past, you may not have the same experiences again.
• New ways of minimizing side effects are constantly being developed. There may be medicines available now to lessen nausea, pain and other side effects that were not available when you were first diagnosed.
• The goals of treatment for advanced breast cancer are different from the goals of adjuvant treatment (treatment to lower the risk of recurrence) in early breast cancer. In early breast cancer, higher doses of chemotherapy medications are given, usually in combination, which lead to more side effects. In advanced breast cancer, treatments are often given one at a time, and lower doses of chemotherapy are given to control the cancer on an ongoing basis.
• Doctors and nurses who treat women with advanced breast cancer are trying to find treatments that not only will best control the cancer, but also will allow you to enjoy the best possible quality of life. So if you tell them that a treatment is making you uncomfortable or causing too much disruption to your daily life, they will work with you to find an alternative.

Reviewed by Evelyn Robles-Rodriguez, RN, MSN

The fatigue you are experiencing could be due to:

• the cancer
• the treatments you are taking
• the emotional impact that stems from dealing with advanced breast cancer

Sometimes fatigue is caused by low red blood cell counts. Such tiredness may be relieved by taking medications that help your body make more red blood cells, but this only works for fatigue caused by anemia. Talk to your medical oncologist to see what methods you can use to safely address this problem.

Other women find they have trouble sleeping and/or are tired all the time because they are depressed, a psychological condition that affects some women with advanced breast cancer. Physical activity or medications to treat depression may improve your energy level.

Whatever the cause of your fatigue, you can make lifestyle changes to improve your quality of life. These changes include saving your energy for the activities you value most, and asking family and friends for help with household chores or other things. If fatigue persists in spite of efforts to reduce it, you also might want to talk with your oncologist about whether medications, such as methylphenidate (brand name: Ritalin) or modafinil (brand name: Provigil) can improve your energy and relieve your fatigue.

Reviewed by Mary K. Hughes, MS, RN, CNS, CT

Most hormonal therapies for breast cancer cause hot flashes for some women. Fortunately, there are a number of lifestyle measures and medicines that can relieve hot flashes at night:

• Try to sleep in cool conditions—turn the thermostat down at night, and use an air conditioner or fan during the hot months.
• Sleep in cotton pajamas or a nightgown. Cotton breathes more than other fabrics and should keep you more comfortable.
• Take a cool shower before bed and keep ice water by the bedside that you can sip when hot flashes hit.
• Increase the amount you exercise during the day.
• Avoid drinking alcohol and eating spicy foods.

If these lifestyle changes don’t relieve your hot flashes, you might want to ask your doctor about medications that might work for you. In most cases, women with a history of breast cancer should not take estrogen, which is the traditional treatment for hot flashes. But there are a number of other medications that may ease hot flashes, including low doses of certain antidepressants, the anti-seizure medication gabapentin (brand name: Neurontibn), megestrol acetate (brand name: Megace) and the blood pressure medication clonidine (brand name: Catapres). Side effects are linked to some of these medicines, and some may take several weeks before they start working against hot flashes. By reviewing your medical history, your doctor can tell you which of these medicines might work best for you.

Reviewed by Mary K. Hughes, MS, RN, CNS, CT

• Although treatment side effects vary considerably from woman to woman, the best resources for this type of information are often other women who are going through the same types of treatments. To find someone to talk to, try calling our Helpline at (888) 753-LBBC (5222). We can match you with a woman who is in a situation similar to yours.
• Your healthcare team can also provide valuable information about side effects and how to manage them. Don’t be afraid to ask for detailed explanations regarding the possible side effects of any treatment you are considering.
• Read LBBC’s guide to Understanding Symptoms and Treatment Side Effects of Advanced Breast Cancer.
• Frankly Speaking About Advanced Breast Cancer, a 62-page booklet developed by LBBC and the Cancer Support Community, has information on the latest treatments, side-effects and side effect management.
• Listen to the podcast or download a publication from our 2009 conference on Managing Symptoms and Side Effects: Living Well Every Day.
• For a comprehensive list of resources and support for women with advanced breast cancer, you can also go to AdvancedBC.org, a Web site created by breast cancer advocate and author Musa Mayer.

Reviewed by Elyse Spatz Caplan, MA

Your doctor will order different tests to monitor the cancer and see whether the treatment/s you’re getting are stopping or slowing the cancer’s progression. These tests may include:

• Physical exams
• Blood tumor markers
• X-rays
• MRI (magnetic resonance imaging)
• CT (or CAT) scans (Computerized Axial Tomography)
• PET scans

Important points to remember about these tests include:

• There is no single test that works for everyone and that perfectly measures whether or not the cancer is progressing.
• In each case, different tests may be useful, depending on where the cancer is, what tests were used to detect it in the first place (what worked best in the past may work well for follow-up), and the expertise of the testing center where you get the tests done.
• Discuss with your doctor what he or she thinks the appropriate tests are for you. If you have any questions or doubts about the tests you’re getting, or how the test results are interpreted, ask questions or get a second opinion.

Reviewed by Clifford A. Hudis, MD

Periodic testing during treatment can prevent you from suffering needlessly from the side effects of a treatment that isn’t working. Your doctor can make sure your quality of life is preserved, and that side effects are minimized, by only using treatments that are effective.

You can help your doctor evaluate whether your current treatment is effective by communicating your symptoms or side effects. Your doctor may suggest some tests that will be useful to see if your cancer is responding to treatment. If tests show that your treatment isn’t working, your doctor may switch you to a different treatment that may work better. The number of treatment options for advanced breast cancer is continually increasing, and there’s no single treatment or series of treatments that’s best for everyone. Every person’s cancer is different, and how a cancer responds to a specific treatment may also change over time. Monitoring your health will enable your doctor to deliver the best possible care.

Reviewed by Clifford A. Hudis, MD

The longer you have to wait for test results, the more anxious you are likely to feel. So try to avoid being tested before a holiday or the weekend, which can delay reporting of your test results. Talk to your doctor about your worries and ask how you can get your test results as quickly as possible.

When you are feeling anxious, try using meditation, deep breathing and other relaxation techniques to relieve your anxiety. You may also find it helpful to keep busy during the waiting period—if you feel well enough, plan activities with your family or friends. In some cases, you may want to talk to your doctor about the possibility of taking anti-anxiety medications during stressful times.

Reviewed by Elyse Spatz Caplan, MA

Blood tumor markers are substances that are normally present in small amounts in your blood. Cancer cells can sometimes make these substances, so when the amount of these substances rises, it means the cancer might be progressing. But in many cases, one test is not enough to give a complete picture. Sometimes blood tumor markers go up, but an MRI or CT test shows that the cancer has actually gotten smaller. If your tumor markers have gone up, discuss with your doctor what other tests you can get to see if the cancer really is progressing. Generally, doctors who use markers (and not all do) will try to monitor trends, rather than accept a single increase as evidence that a treatment has stopped working.

Reviewed by Clifford A. Hudis, MD

If you have any doubts about the results of any of your tests, discuss them with your doctor. If you are still not sure, DO NOT HESITATE TO GET A SECOND OPINION before making a decision to stop a treatment or switch to another.

Reviewed by Elyse Spatz Caplan, MA

Many women with advanced breast cancer report having mixed or negative experiences in support groups for women with breast cancer, because the other participants are not facing the same types of issues. This does not necessarily mean that a support group is wrong for you. It just means you need to find one that will give you the type of support you’re seeking.

Some hospitals and cancer centers have support groups specifically for people living with advanced breast cancer. There is also one-on-one support available. Some may be covered by insurance, and others may be free of charge. Ask your doctors and nurses to identify these resources in your area. If there is no support group you can attend in person, there are some excellent hotlines and online support options that can match you with women in similar circumstances:

• The LBBC Helpline (888) 753-LBBC (5222) is staffed by trained volunteers affected by breast cancer and can match you with women in circumstances similar to yours.
• The Y-Me National Breast Cancer Organization’s 24/7 Hotline (800) 221-2141 is staffed by trained breast cancer survivors, and you can request to be paired with a peer counselor who had the same diagnosis, is the same age, or has experienced similar challenges as you.
• www.bcmets.org is a website devoted entirely to women with advanced disease and offers listservs, where you can sign up for free to share information and support.

Reviewed by Evelyn Robles-Rodriguez, RN, MSN

There are many effective ways to manage pain. Work with your healthcare team to find the best pain management scheme for you. You might want to keep a pain diary to help you communicate your pain control needs with your doctor and nurse.

For many women, it helps to have several different approaches to managing pain. Persistent pain and breakthrough pain are treated differently. Oral medications--both long-acting and short-acting types--can be helpful and are available to address the different types of cancer-related pain you may be experiencing. Medications are also available by suppository, injections and skin patches, sometimes called transdermal patches. In some cases, a patient-controlled pump delivering medication can be helpful.

Other types of treatments can also relieve pain, including radiation therapy, acupuncture, biofeedback or relaxation techniques and nerve blocks. Bone- building medications called bisphosphonates can help if your pain is caused by bone metastasis. If you find pain medications and other approaches are not working well for you, ask your doctor for a referral to a specialist in pain management or a specialized pain clinic.

Reviewed by Elyse Spatz Caplan, MA

Facing financial issues when you’re trying to deal with metastatic breast cancer can feel overwhelming. You want to conserve your energy to deal with the disease, but you can’t help worrying about whether you’ll be able to afford all the medications and treatments.

The good news is that there are government agencies and private organizations out there that can help. But you do need to reach out and ask for the help you need. Find a list of these organizations and get tips on managing the visible and hidden costs of breast cancer treatment by ordering a copy of LBBC’s Guide to Understanding Financial Concerns. You can also find a list of these organizations in the resource section of Frankly Speaking About Living with Advanced Breast Cancer.

If you participate in a clinical trial, you may be eligible to have some or all of your costs paid for. Ask your healthcare team if you are eligible for any clinical trials that cover the cost of your care.

Reviewed by Dianne L. Hyman, BSN, RN, OCN

Many people living with advanced breast cancer find complementary approaches—including yoga, meditation, acupuncture, tai chi, and more—helpful for lowering stress and alleviating some symptoms and treatment side effects.

As with all types of treatment, what works for one person might not work for others. Trying a few different approaches might be the way to find what’s best for you. Whatever you decide to try, remember to TALK TO YOUR HEALTHCARE TEAM about what types of complementary treatment you are considering. Even if you are taking an over-the-counter vitamin or supplement, it’s extremely important to tell your doctor. There are some herbs and supplements that can interfere with the effectiveness of some breast cancer treatments.

For reliable information on complementary and alternative treatments, visit the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine

Reviewed by Elyse Spatz Caplan, MA

Hormonal treatments that limit your body’s level of estrogen can cause vaginal dryness and can lower your sex drive. Lubricants can help relieve dryness and make vaginal intercourse more pleasurable. In some cases, your doctor might feel comfortable prescribing a vaginal cream with estrogen if your symptoms are severe and other methods have not been effective.

More importantly, talk to your partner about how you’re feeling, and work together on how to deal with times when you are not in the mood for sex. Try setting aside special time with your partner to pursue activities that create a sensual mood and might make you more responsive to sex. Remember there are other ways you and your partner can be intimate besides having intercourse. Sometimes you may just need to cuddle, and it’s important to let your partner know this. Communication is the key to a more satisfying intimate relationship.

Reviewed by Elyse Spatz Caplan, MA

A diagnosis of advanced breast cancer can be devastating not only for the woman who is diagnosed, but also for the entire family. It’s normal for you to feel anxious, angry, depressed and overwhelmed. It’s also important to face your feelings and move on so you can be there for your partner in a way that works for both of you.

Your relationship with your partner is bound to change following her diagnosis, and this can be a very scary thought. But many couples report that their relationships actually deepen and become closer and more meaningful when one partner is diagnosed with advanced breast cancer.

Open and honest communication is the key to getting through this difficult time together. Rather than assuming that you know what she may or may not need, ask how you can help. Does she mainly need a shoulder to cry on? Or does she want to focus on practical, everyday things to keep her mind off the diagnosis? Can you go with her to doctors’ appointments? Help more around the house? Or take her on a long-awaited vacation?

By listening and sharing your own thoughts and feelings, you can work together to build your relationship in a positive way moving forward. You may also want to check out some of the resources listed at the end of this page.

Reviewed by Elyse Spatz Caplan, MA

Talking with your wife about your concern for her well-being may actually be a good place to start. She may appreciate the opportunity to share some common fears, and you can both find ways to support one another.

If you find it difficult to talk about this with your wife, consider talking with a close friend, counselor, clergy or other spiritual advisor. You also might find it helpful to join a support group for the partners or caregivers of people with cancer. Sharing your concerns with others can help ease the burden of those concerns.

Reviewed by Elyse Spatz Caplan, MA

There are many people and organizations that are more than willing to offer their help. These resources may include friends, family members, colleagues and neighbors. Religious groups and community organizations often have volunteers who can help with household tasks or other needs.

Start by preparing a written list of the chores or errands you need help with. Then ask a friend or family member to enlist those who are eager to help you. People that care about you will feel better if they can assist you during your time of need. You can also consider using online services such as Lotsa Helping Hands or CarePages to connect family and friends and share news, support and encouragement. You can give updates and ask for help with errands and whatever else is necessary for life to run smoothly during a health crisis.

Reviewed by Elyse Spatz Caplan, MA

One of the most difficult things about caring for a loved one with advanced breast cancer is what is sometimes called "caregiver fatigue." This is when you spend so much time and energy caring for your loved one that you forget to take care of yourself.

If you are exhausted, frazzled and emotionally drained, you can’t be much help to your mother. It’s very important to realize what’s happening, take a step back, and start eating, sleeping and exercising regularly to keep your own energy up so that you can continue to offer help and support while not neglecting your own health and quality of life.

"Here are some resources to help you understand and deal with "caregiver fatigue":

• Take one of the American Cancer Society’s quizzes for caregivers to see how you are coping and whether you may be suffering from anxiety or depression.
• The American Cancer Society also has a Care Package for the Caregiver to help you find ways to take better care of yourself as you care for your loved one.
• CancerCare’s Caregiver Support Services include online, telephone and face-to-face counseling as well as support groups and resources for caregivers.
• Men Against Breast Cancer is a nonprofit organization that offers support and information for men caring for a female loved one with breast cancer.

Reviewed by Elyse Spatz Caplan, MA

Many treatments and clinical trails for advanced breast cancer can effectively shrink tumors, relieve symptoms and extend life. But at a certain point in time, the cancer may stop responding to treatments and the side effects may become uncomfortable or intolerable. At this point, rather than continuing treatment, you may decide to explore palliative care options to make you more comfortable and improve your quality of life.

You may be getting pressure from well-meaning family members or others to continue treatment. Despite wanting to please loved ones, you have to recognize your own needs and ultimately decide how you want to spend the rest of your life. Keep in mind that ending treatment doesn’t mean you will stop receiving medical care. Your doctor can refer you to hospice services, where nurses will continue to make sure you get the treatments you need to be as comfortable as possible.

Reviewed by Evelyn Robles-Rodriguez, RN, MSN

Hospice care is given to people with a terminal illness in their own homes or in a hospital, hospice or other facility. Hospice care is for people who are no longer pursuing a cure for their illness. The aims are to:

• Make you as comfortable as possible with pain-relief medications and other medical supportive care
• Help you with bathing, dressing and other daily living tasks
• Provide psychological and spiritual support for you and your family

Because hospice workers are experts in delivering these tasks, you may find your care improves when you switch from cancer treatment to hospice care. Nurses and health aides often have more time to spend with you and your family, and hospice workers are usually available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to visit you as often as needed. Although your doctor may still oversee your medical care, you and your family can get more emotional support from visiting social workers, clergy or volunteers who play key roles in your hospice care.

Reviewed by Steven D. Passik, PhD

Ask your doctor or hospital social worker about hospice resources in your area--a social worker can often make a referral with the required medical documentation. Some hospitals have special home-like hospice wings, and many cancer treatment facilities offer hospice care at their centers or in people’s homes. Nursing homes and assisted living facilities may offer hospice care as well. Most insurance companies pay for hospice care for those who qualify. Your doctor or social worker can tell you when you would qualify for a hospice program.

Reviewed by Steven D. Passik, PhD