end stage lung cancer

[momofzak]

Hi everyone this is my first time on this topic board.another board was very helpful with a question about my son so I thought I would try the same for my mother in law.Last October my mil who just turned 85 and had been a smoker until 12 yrs ago was diagnosised with malignant non small cell cancer in the lung.It has since spread to the bones.She had 2 sets of radiation which did some good.The family was told she has 6-12 mths to live since oct.She is now having so much trouble breathing and is fighting me on getting O2
She is getting impatient with her 83 year old husband.The doctor just told us she was in the early stages of late stage.I have worked in hospice but when it is your relative all knowledge goes out the window.It is terrible to watch this woman so out of breath.Any support out there.Thanks in advance.

[LeisaH]

momofzak

it is really up to her if she wants the oxygen or not. You may want to check out of she has a DNR order or Extreme care either with the doctor or the lawyer. See if she has someone that will take care of her if she becomes incompantent. Please watch for the cancer to move to her brain...... what is her balance like???? what about a walker or a wheelchair?? Mom did not want the oxygen either but took it for about a week and then did not go back on ...... Has the doctor asked the family about Iressa?? I found that while it did not cure my mom that it did ease some of the growths.

Leisa

[momofzak]

hi LeisaH.Thanks for your suggestions.Mom does not have a DNR but has expressed her opinions.I provided her with an advanced directive but she did not want one.She was not a candidate for Iressa according to the doctor as she did not have chemo due to other health issues.She is going for a catscan and blood gas test this week to determine the growth of the tumors and if she could get O2. She uses a wheelchair when going long distances.Otherwise she just takes it slow.