What should I expect from palliative care services?

Reaching out to hear from others before a first palliative care visit is a thoughtful step, and many people in kidney cancer communities find this kind of conversation helpful. Palliative care is often described as an extra layer of support focused on comfort, symptom relief, and day-to-day quality of life, and it can be used alongside other cancer treatment. It may help to write down your goals and questions before the visit so the provider can tailor the conversation to what matters most to you. Others in this community are welcome to share their palliative care experiences, and the care team can answer questions about what to expect in your situation.

Palliative care didn't intersect with my needs at the time, nor was insurance helpful. My wife had it tough for a few months until I got back on my feet.

I very much appreciate the palliative care I revieve at City of Hope. I have been under the care of two hospitals, one using palliative care and one did not. Quality of life has been much improved under palliative care.

The palliative care I had was good for the first couple visits. I have a strong support group at home, so having someone to talk to didn’t really make me feel better. He gave me medication for some pain but it clouded my thinking so I stopped taking it and canceled remaining appointments. I have an excellent PA who works closely between me and my doctor. This has helped me immensely.

I do receive pain management medications, but I have to travel 45 miles one way every four weeks for it.