Paulette’s At Home Care

Paulette was diagnosed with Stage 4 adenocarcinoma lung cancer on April 11th this year. Since then we’ve learned that the cancer has metastasized. Paulette had a series of radiation treatments for the bone cancers throughout May. After several setbacks, including a problem with blood pressure meds and a virus going through the Care One facility, we were extremely disappointed to find out that the markers needed to make immunotherapy an option did not match up for Paulette. This was crushing news for everyone. Chemotherapy was not originally in Paulette’s plan of care because she hasn’t been physically able to endure that type of treatment. At her most recent Oncology appointment, her doctor gave a timeframe of a few months without chemotherapy. With only a short time left to spend with her family and the prognosis that chemotherapy will only give her a couple of months of time, we are most concerned with Paulette’s quality of life during this time. This past Saturday, June 15th, Dominick, Ashley, Brett and myself all sat with Paulette to talk about what to do next. After a difficult and tearful conversation, Paulette has decided that she wants to come home. Coming home brings a new set of obstacles and challenges. Luckily, she qualifies for hospice care at home. This will be a tremendous help to Paulette AND Dominick. What Paulette really needs right now is a full-time home health aide and transportation home from Care One, neither of which are covered by insurance. Many of Paulette’s friends and family have been asking how they can help. While it doesn’t come naturally for Dominick to ask for help, he has been deeply moved by everyone who has reached out to him or brought him a meal these last few months. We are starting with an estimate for the cost of a home health aide for 60 days, so if there is any way you could help Dominick and Paulette with the added expenses during Paulette’s time in hospice care, please know that it is greatly appreciated.