mantonucci

Hi there: I'm really glad you found this community. The folks on here are insightful and I'm sure many of them have faced similar family situations.

I'm not sure if it's geographically possible, but have you considered holding a family meeting? Where you share your concerns (and frustration) with your family while they are all in the same place? If your husband (and maybe children) are there to support you, would it be easier to get your message across?

I also wanted to let you know that we have a Phone Buddy program that matches patients up with volunteers who have been there, done that, so to speak. The goal is to have someone available to listen and to provide support and tips on handling the sometimes overwhelming issues that accompany a melanoma diagnosis. Sounds like you've already got a lot on your plate with your MS. Perhaps a Phone Buddy could give you a little one-on-one support?

You can read more about it here: http://www.melanoma.org/mrf-phone-buddy-program

Please, feel free to call me if you have questions, or would like to be matched up with someone.

Take good care,

Mary Mendoza

National Director, Volunteer Services

volunteer@melanoma.org

(202) 347-9675

Hi there: I'm really glad you found this community. The folks on here are insightful and I'm sure many of them have faced similar family situations.

I'm not sure if it's geographically possible, but have you considered holding a family meeting? Where you share your concerns (and frustration) with your family while they are all in the same place? If your husband (and maybe children) are there to support you, would it be easier to get your message across?

I also wanted to let you know that we have a Phone Buddy program that matches patients up with volunteers who have been there, done that, so to speak. The goal is to have someone available to listen and to provide support and tips on handling the sometimes overwhelming issues that accompany a melanoma diagnosis. Sounds like you've already got a lot on your plate with your MS. Perhaps a Phone Buddy could give you a little one-on-one support?

You can read more about it here: http://www.melanoma.org/mrf-phone-buddy-program

Please, feel free to call me if you have questions, or would like to be matched up with someone.

Take good care,

Mary Mendoza

National Director, Volunteer Services

volunteer@melanoma.org

(202) 347-9675

Hi there: I'm really glad you found this community. The folks on here are insightful and I'm sure many of them have faced similar family situations.

I'm not sure if it's geographically possible, but have you considered holding a family meeting? Where you share your concerns (and frustration) with your family while they are all in the same place? If your husband (and maybe children) are there to support you, would it be easier to get your message across?

I also wanted to let you know that we have a Phone Buddy program that matches patients up with volunteers who have been there, done that, so to speak. The goal is to have someone available to listen and to provide support and tips on handling the sometimes overwhelming issues that accompany a melanoma diagnosis. Sounds like you've already got a lot on your plate with your MS. Perhaps a Phone Buddy could give you a little one-on-one support?

You can read more about it here: http://www.melanoma.org/mrf-phone-buddy-program

Please, feel free to call me if you have questions, or would like to be matched up with someone.

Take good care,

Mary Mendoza

National Director, Volunteer Services

volunteer@melanoma.org

(202) 347-9675

Hi Bridget: Thank you for helping us raise much needed awareness! We have a very active Facebook page, where you might receive a better reception to your request; lots of young women who are dedicated to helping bring attention to the dangers of indoor tanning. I would suggest posing the question there.

Many thanks!

Mary Mendoza

National Director, Volunteer Services

Hi Bridget: Thank you for helping us raise much needed awareness! We have a very active Facebook page, where you might receive a better reception to your request; lots of young women who are dedicated to helping bring attention to the dangers of indoor tanning. I would suggest posing the question there.

Many thanks!

Mary Mendoza

National Director, Volunteer Services

Hi Bridget: Thank you for helping us raise much needed awareness! We have a very active Facebook page, where you might receive a better reception to your request; lots of young women who are dedicated to helping bring attention to the dangers of indoor tanning. I would suggest posing the question there.

Many thanks!

Mary Mendoza

National Director, Volunteer Services

HI Tracy: I'm sorry to hear how difficult this experience has been for your friend's family. Each hospice should (ideally) have a care team that includes not only registered nurses, but also a social worker, a pastoral counselor, unlicensed nursing assistants (CNAs-which sounds like the "nurse" they sent to sit with your friend's dad), as well as a doctor who relies heavily on input from each of the other team members to make medical decisions (such as adjusting pain medication or recommending inpatient care). Usually, there will be a team leader who is almost always an RN.

It is so frustrating when the communication breaks down somewhere between the team and the caregiver(s). Often times, speaking with the social worker is the best way of communicating with the team. They are trained to take the time to explain the process and to ask questions, and can then relay the message to the medical providers. They are also probably the best advocate for the caregiver/family, as the nurses are so focused on patient care that they don't always consider whether or not they are communicating effectively with the family.

I would recommend talking to the social worker or the hospice team leader to request a team meeting. I hope they can get back on track so that your friend's family has some peace.

Take good care,

Mary Mendoza (former hospice worker), National Director of Volunteer Services

PS: The Hospice Foundation of America might also be able to provide recommendations: http://www.hospicefoundation.org

HI Tracy: I'm sorry to hear how difficult this experience has been for your friend's family. Each hospice should (ideally) have a care team that includes not only registered nurses, but also a social worker, a pastoral counselor, unlicensed nursing assistants (CNAs-which sounds like the "nurse" they sent to sit with your friend's dad), as well as a doctor who relies heavily on input from each of the other team members to make medical decisions (such as adjusting pain medication or recommending inpatient care). Usually, there will be a team leader who is almost always an RN.

It is so frustrating when the communication breaks down somewhere between the team and the caregiver(s). Often times, speaking with the social worker is the best way of communicating with the team. They are trained to take the time to explain the process and to ask questions, and can then relay the message to the medical providers. They are also probably the best advocate for the caregiver/family, as the nurses are so focused on patient care that they don't always consider whether or not they are communicating effectively with the family.

I would recommend talking to the social worker or the hospice team leader to request a team meeting. I hope they can get back on track so that your friend's family has some peace.

Take good care,

Mary Mendoza (former hospice worker), National Director of Volunteer Services

PS: The Hospice Foundation of America might also be able to provide recommendations: http://www.hospicefoundation.org

HI Tracy: I'm sorry to hear how difficult this experience has been for your friend's family. Each hospice should (ideally) have a care team that includes not only registered nurses, but also a social worker, a pastoral counselor, unlicensed nursing assistants (CNAs-which sounds like the "nurse" they sent to sit with your friend's dad), as well as a doctor who relies heavily on input from each of the other team members to make medical decisions (such as adjusting pain medication or recommending inpatient care). Usually, there will be a team leader who is almost always an RN.

It is so frustrating when the communication breaks down somewhere between the team and the caregiver(s). Often times, speaking with the social worker is the best way of communicating with the team. They are trained to take the time to explain the process and to ask questions, and can then relay the message to the medical providers. They are also probably the best advocate for the caregiver/family, as the nurses are so focused on patient care that they don't always consider whether or not they are communicating effectively with the family.

I would recommend talking to the social worker or the hospice team leader to request a team meeting. I hope they can get back on track so that your friend's family has some peace.

Take good care,

Mary Mendoza (former hospice worker), National Director of Volunteer Services

PS: The Hospice Foundation of America might also be able to provide recommendations: http://www.hospicefoundation.org

Hi Misty:  We may be able to help you with this!  We have a video that was produced for us a couple of years ago, that's appropriate for school aged children.  Email me at: volunteer@melanoma.org and we can discuss getting you a copy.  Thanks for your efforts!

Hi Misty:  We may be able to help you with this!  We have a video that was produced for us a couple of years ago, that's appropriate for school aged children.  Email me at: volunteer@melanoma.org and we can discuss getting you a copy.  Thanks for your efforts!