Tag: congestive heart failure

A TIME article explains that Medicare’s telehealth program, which allowed people on Medicare (including seniors) to see doctors online during the COVID-19 pandemic, ended on September 30, 2025, because Congress did not renew it by the deadline. The program had made it easier for those with chronic conditions like serious illnesses and mobility challenges, to get care from home. Some people worry that without telehealth, accessing timely care will be harder, particularly for those who live far from doctors or have health limitations. While some doctors may continue offering telehealth, the future of Medicare telehealth services is uncertain until Congress takes action.

By Mary D. Chamberlin, MD

A diagnosis of metastatic breast cancer can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. Alongside your cancer treatment, palliative care provides extra support—helping you manage symptoms, reduce stress, and focus on what matters most to you. It also provides support for your family and the people who care for you. … Read More

If you or someone you care for is living with a serious illness, you may have questions about medical marijuana (also known as cannabis). Can it help with pain, nausea, or anxiety? Is it safe to use?

These are important questions that palliative care teams often hear from patients who are exploring ways to feel better, while managing their serious illness.

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When you’re diagnosed with a serious illness—like breast cancer or heart disease—it affects more than just your body. It can stir up deep emotions, shift your thoughts, and unsettle your sense of safety. You may feel overwhelmed, afraid, or even emotionally numb. These responses are normal—and deeply human.

These reactions are part of a built‑in survival system known as the fight, flight, or freeze response. It’s hardwired into all of us to help protect when we sense danger—or under significant stress. When you’re living with a serious illness, that same system can leave you feeling stuck or emotionally exhausted, especially when recovery feels like a long path.

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An Oprah Daily article illustrates how palliative care is the type of medical care that all patients deserve. Through interviews with many palliative care experts, the article explains the many benefits of palliative care, from improving quality of life and supporting patients and families throughout their serious illness, to the person-centered approach and human connection that is often missing from standard medical care.

If you or someone you care for is living with a serious illness like cancer or Parkinson’s disease, you may have thought about trying a vitamin, herbal remedy, acupuncture, or other complementary therapy to support your care. This is called integrative medicine, which is when a complementary therapy is used alongside conventional medical treatments to help manage symptoms, improve quality of life, or feel more in control.

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When you’re living with a serious illness, it can feel like everything is happening at once—new symptoms, medications, side effects, tons of doctor appointments, paperwork, and big questions about what comes next. You might have received different advice from multiple doctors. Or maybe you’re not sure who to call if something goes wrong.

That’s where palliative care comes in. One of the most important things a palliative care team does is create a care plan that is clear and individualized, reflecting your needs, preferences, and goals.

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A Mayo Clinic article shares ways to maintain quality of life during treatment for chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), including maintaining your health with vaccinations, exercise and diet, seeking emotional support through support groups, and more. It also highlights how palliative care can help at any stage of CLL by easing side effects and supporting your overall well-being.

If you or a loved one are living with a serious illness, you may have experienced feeling overwhelmed or isolated by all of the bumps in the road. Just know that while you may feel alone at times (even in the company of your loved ones), you’re not. There are lots of other people going through similar experiences and feeling the same way.   

That’s why many disease-specific organizations offer support groups, to help people to connect, share what’s going on, and find comfort in the community. (You never know who you are going to meet! You may just meet a friend you’ll stay in touch with for years to come.)  

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Living with a serious illness—like cancer, heart failure, or kidney disease—can take a major toll on your body and your mind. And when sleep is hard to come by, everything can feel even harder.  Sleep isn’t just about rest. It’s an important part of healing. Good sleep helps your body recover, improves your mood, and makes it easier to think clearly and manage symptoms. 

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