The longer I live with my Neuroendocrine Cancer diagnosis, the clearer my desire for a Palliative Care team becomes.

Palliative Care and Hospice Care are two very different forms of support, though they are often misunderstood and mistakenly used interchangeably.

Hospice care is specifically designed for individuals nearing the end of life. Disease-directed treatments are typically stopped, and the focus shifts toward comfort, symptom management, and quality of life.

Palliative Care, however, is intended for people living with serious or chronic illnesses at any stage of their medical journey. Cancer, especially NET cancer, is a prime example of a condition that may benefit from palliative care. Unlike hospice, palliative care can occur alongside treatments intended to manage, stabilize, or even cure disease.

A Palliative Care team helps both patients and families navigate the physical, emotional, and practical challenges of chronic illness while working to improve quality of life.

That team may include a palliative care physician, nurse, or nurse practitioner who helps coordinate care, manage symptoms and medications, and provide patient education. Depending on a patient’s needs, specialists such as dietitians, nutritionists, speech therapists, physical therapists, or occupational therapists may also become part of the team. Pharmacists can assist with balancing medications while monitoring for side effects and drug interactions.

Case managers and care coordinators are also invaluable members of a palliative care team. Social workers may help patients and families navigate counseling services, community resources, insurance concerns, financial issues, or discharge planning after lengthy hospital stays. These professionals often become an important bridge between patients and the accessibility of their physicians.

The idea of a Palliative Care team serving almost as an administrative assistant for my NET cancer and multiple comorbidities is incredibly appealing.

Help managing mail-order prescriptions, coordinating scans and tests, tracking appointments, and reducing the endless time spent on hold with medical offices would dramatically improve my quality of life. Imagine having a dedicated professional available to discuss the realities of living with chronic illness and work collaboratively toward practical solutions.

More hospitals and healthcare systems are beginning to embrace the value of palliative care for chronically ill patients, but many patients still need to initiate the conversation themselves.

Unfortunately, palliative care continues to carry misconceptions because people often confuse it with hospice care. Some physicians may also hesitate to introduce the topic for fear of alarming patients.

Your medical facility likely has a Patient Advocacy Office that can help connect you with local palliative care resources. While online research can be helpful, taking the time to investigate local programs and services may provide the best results. Many insurance plans, including Medicare, offer some coverage for palliative care services, though coverage should always be part of your research.

A Palliative Care team helps manage the business of living with chronic illness so you have more time and energy to focus on the business of living.

At NCAN, we also want to be part of your NET cancer team and help you live the best life possible while living with NET cancer. Remember, We are Here. (For you.)