My first time helping someone else with ACP
Today during my cancer treatment, I’m met a couple who was dealing with the recent new diagnosis of metastatic kidney cancer, and the husband was there for his first palliative chemotherapy treatment and waiting to start palliative radiation treatments. As I talked to them, I learned that they did have a medical power of attorney and a generic advance directive to their physicians that was set up during their estate planning with their lawyer. After personally learning how woefully inadequate that generic directive to the physicians is in the state of Texas, I told them a little bit about myself; my background and training as an advanced care planner. I emailed the wife, who is now caring for her husband and making all decisions, the Emery Care guide as well as the Texas Advanced Directive that is available through the AARP website. I gave her my contact information and told her to reach out to me. I also discussed palliative care and hospice care with them to make sure that they engage that early and not wait until the last minute. It Felt like a pretty big win being able to help somebody else, especially when they’re dealing with this terminal diagnosis which will likely be terminal sooner than later. It was very clear that they had a lot on their plate given that this is a new diagnosis and it’s already spread to his bone and brain. I over heard a conversation the wife was having with Medicare for approval to pay the $4,500 copay for the chemo over time. I told them that I offer this service for free as I’m blessed to not need the money for doing this. I plan to follow up next week to see if they want to setup a meeting