Living with Metastatic Breast Cancer can be scary. This is the stage of cancer that has spread from the breast to other areas of the body. Treatment at this stage primarily focuses on making the patient comfortable. Hospice and palliative care are becoming common among many patients at this stage.

It is important to understand what these types of care involve to choose appropriately. The main difference is when each type of care should be sought, depending on the patient’s condition.

Understanding Palliative Care

Palliative Care aims to enhance the quality of life for individuals at all stages of illness. Palliative Care may be administered concurrently with other therapeutic methods such as chemotherapy and radiation. The objective of the service is to handle the symptoms associated with the illness, such as pain, weakness, nausea, or anxiety. Palliative Care involves the patient and the immediate family members.

Health care providers recommend the early initiation of Palliative Care. It helps patients cope throughout treatment. Health practitioners, nursing officers, and counsellors collaborate to develop an appropriate care program.

Some elements that may be associated with palliative care are:

• conventional pain treatments, like OTC and prescribed painkillers
• alternative approaches to pain treatment, which include massaging, acupuncture, and acupressure
• emotional and psychological support from friends and family
• community support in the form of forums and email groups
• wellness, proper diet, and physical activity
• religion, spirituality, meditation, or prayers
• ways of dealing with the psychological consequences of cancer

What is Hospice Care?

The Hospice Care program targets individuals who are close to death. In most cases, it comes into play after the treatment has stopped showing results or if the patient no longer wants further treatment. There is an absolute shift from curing to comforting. Hospice Care may be done at the hospital, hospice facility, or even at home.

This type of care encompasses not only pain management but also psychological support and assistance with various activities of daily living. The family members also benefit from this care. The goal is to ensure that the patient feels comfortable and dignified in their last days. Medical specialists advise using this care when the life expectancy is less than 6 months. Nevertheless, it depends on the patient’s condition. Having this discussion with the patient earlier prevents potential problems in the future.

Key Differences Between Hospice and Palliative Care

Both Hospice and Palliative Care focus on comfort. But their goals and timings are different. Let’s understand the basic difference between the two.

• Palliative Care begins at any stage of weakness. It functions alongside ongoing treatments targeted at controlling cancer. This makes the process a flexible option for several ailing patients.
• Hospice Care is for the final stages of life. It starts when all curative treatments stop. The focus shifts entirely to providing emotional support and comfort. This makes Hospice Care more preferable for end-of-life care.
• Palliative Care is mostly provided in hospitals, homes, and clinics.
• Hospice Care is mostly home-based, but several doctors suggest practising this at dedicated centers. 

How to Decide What Is Right for Your

In making decisions to choose either Palliative care or Hospice care, there are considerations you need to make for yourself. You would opt for palliative care if you are under active treatment, but you would like symptom control. However, if active treatment does not work well or you find it stressful, then maybe hospice care will serve you best. Your choice is entirely yours. Discussing with your physician and your loved ones will make this possible.

When making decisions, you ask simple questions like:

• What are your symptoms now?
• What are your objectives for the treatment?
• How do you want to spend your days?

Emotional and Family Support

Metastatic breast cancer not only impacts the physical well-being of the patient but also her emotional and psychological well-being. Hospice and palliative care both offer counseling services for managing any feelings of fear, anxiety, or sadness that the patients might have.

Caregivers also receive counselling on what they can do to help the patient. Grief counseling is essential for all parties involved. Lastly, spiritual counseling is provided at the person’s preference. Many patients feel comforted by expressing their fears and aspirations.

Final Thoughts

A diagnosis of metastatic breast cancer affects not only the physical health of the individual, but also her mental and psychological well-being. Hospice and palliative care both provide counseling to handle the feelings of fear, anxiety, and depression on behalf of the patient.

The carers also receive counseling to equip them to support the patient. Grief counseling is provided through hospice and palliative care. It is crucial for everyone involved. Finally, spiritual counseling is provided at the individual’s discretion. Most of the time, patients find great relief in discussing their fears and dreams. Follow Medipedia for all the latest news and updates on women’s health and learn how advanced treatments help treat chronic illness over time.