My family member in her mid 60s has just last recently began chemo for her Stage IIIc Ovarian cancer. She had some severe symptoms so was advised to go to a&e and was admitted into hospital. I just found out she has a palliative care team at the hospital. I always thought palliative care was for terminally ill people. Does this mean the hospital believe she won't survive? I've been thinking theres a reasonable chance chemo and surgery would be a success and she could live out the rest of her life. Is this different now? I'm concerned my family may be watering down the situation to not scare me but if she's dieing I want to know. Any thoughts?
Hi Ray2002
When I first encountered the term palliative care just like you I associated it very much with end of life. I learned this was not the whole story however and was really happy to see this blog that really summed things up quite nicely.
With me it is my wife who has cancer - Leiomyosarcoma, stable for 6 years now but at least currently incurable. It took a while to get to the point where we are living with cancer as are many other people.
<<hugs>>
Steve
