MOMs SCLC - Cancer: Lung Message Board

mattsmom105 · 11-09-2006, 09:03 AM

Well, my mom (59) was diagnosed last July.. Had chemo and radiation for 6 months. She was a real trooper through it all..In January she got neuropathy.. She had brittle and fractured bones, extremely fatigued.. She had her last 3 month MRI in August. Then in September was the first sign her sodium was critically low (112) she was put on sodium pills and limited fluids. She became severely dehydrated and lethargic. Took her to the ER several times to send her home dehydrated.. Last week she was confused and unable to complete a thought or sentence, again they said she was dehydrated.. Ultrasound showed new growths on her liver.. But we didnt get results, and her primary sent her to a physical rehabilitation center. We had to call the oncologist and he said that the MRI of liver confirmed the cancer had spread there. She did not have a MRI of her brain.. she didnt want it. Its probable its spread there as well. Doc just said she has about 3 months. This is horrible, of course.. Now I suppose we should get her into hospice in a hospital.. she gave up her apartment because she couldnt live alone any longer..What other options for care are out there? I want her to be as comfortable as possible...
Oh god bless my mother.

ladyj2 · 11-09-2006, 10:17 AM

Hi there,
I am so sorry for you and your mother, it is a really tough time and she is lucky to have you concerned about her comfort and welfare. I would ask your mom's onc for some referrals to places that can help and I would surely give hospice a call. My mom also had sclc and we decided to keep her at home and had a hospital bed with an air mattress to prevent bed sores, or to try and keep them to a minimum. But hospice came daily to help turn her and stuff. However, hospice also has homes that you can place her in which is especially good if you work or have a very active household and I also think that if she gets bedsores she can be turned more frequently. My mom was incoherent alot too and in the end could not talk at all, even though she was breathing she was really not with us. Thoughts and prayers....

domlynhill · 11-09-2006, 11:03 AM

Hello. I just wanted to send you a hug. Your strength is inspiring. Thank you for sharing what you are going through. As our treatment begins, I appriciate the stories of strength found here and pray for your family.

Thoughts and Prayers....

jeaniek · 11-09-2006, 11:34 AM

I am extremely sorry to hear about your mom. I will add you to my growing list of thoughts and prayers.
We haven't crossed this path on my dad's journey yet, but currently he is living at a assisted living home. Should we come to cross this path, we will probably decide to transfer him back to a nursing home (he was initally staying there prior to assisted living)..or have him stay at my home.
I would check with your mom's doctor, or most hospitals have social workers who can be great help with suppling referrals..or to do some research on the computer.
My thoughts are with you ~
Jeanie

mattsmom105 · 11-15-2006, 06:32 PM

Thanks everyone for your support and prayers. Well, Mom has been in the phys. rehab since last Wednesday. She got severe edema in feet and face, she was hysterically crying saying what next" so we all decided not to tell her, she has also expressed many times previously she didnt want to know cause she is not going through chemo again, and she was "done". After her last blood draw last Friday, we found her blood platelets and magnesium critically low and CO2 level extremely high. After reporting this to the onc. he changed her prognosis from 3 months to 2 weeks. This week we were approached by doc that hospice should take over, but as long as mom is aware, she has to sign for it. So, the PT is continuing til the end of this week. Due to the pressure, I went to talk to her and feel her out about her wanting to know, all I said is "well, you can get out of here and come home with me" after she asked why and I said because she wasnt benefiting from the PT, she cried hysterically "What am I doing wrong, I am not weak, what more can I do" I dont like it here, it feels like a hospice, its depressing, I dont beling here." I assured her she could come home with me and improve and get PT at home, to keep her happy and optimistic, though at times it may seem cruel, the alternative is having her cry non stop and being miserable until the end. Since then, she was having bouts of staring into space and looking like she is trying to think of something, but most of the time smiling and laughing at what we say.. Then today she was talking and bright cheery and peppy like 'old mom, where was the prior 2 days she was unable to get out of bed, she was more independent and strong willed to do everything herself, which she pretty much did. She was making plans about how to furnish my apt. and she wants to help ME with my son, and financially, that I need a break. She is a truly amazing woman... So thats how its left, she will be coming home with me.. Until a point where she starts to press about whats going on or becomes unware, then I will call hospice. I may need to get a private nurse in the interim though. She is truly an inspiration.