whats next? Help please

middledaughter
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Mom was diagnosed in 12-07 with advanced stage lung cancer and metz ( 20 tumors in the brain)
Radiation for 15 treatments then IV chemo feb,march and last cycle 3 weeks ago. We stopped it she was too weak to continue. She still hasn't recovered from the last chemo. Shes so tired now she can hardly sit up. Shes up to 3 dexamethasone and has a good appetite.
She searches for words and is weak but is breathing well. Last cat scan showed some shrinkage in lung and MRI in mid feb showed some shrinkage of metz...next MRI of brain tomorrow.
Will she bounce back from this? She always got better after alittle time off between cycles but I have never seen her like this. We know her time is limited with us but I just dont know what to expect. We havent called hospice yet....is it time for that? My doctors says I should. I am overwelmed trying to sort all this out. I'm afraid to leave her alone now too. Can anybody share suggestions with me?

11 replies

Bobib

I am following all of this and hopefully we will get some good advice from some people here. I am crying my eyes out but I guess it is better than keeping it all in. I wish I was there with you. Does Madgie know what's going on? How does Pop feel about everything at this point? Keep praying and call me or e-mail if you need to.
little Sis,
Bobbi

middledaughter

yes she knows, so does pop. The only time I am not crying is when I am with her. I'm getting good at the "survival mode". I can pull it together in front of her but the rest of the time I am a mess. I'm heading over to docs office for some info on whats next....I love you - D

Bobib

Stay strong, I'm glad to know it's not just me. Keep me posted.

erinroro

Gosh I wish there was something I could do to help! I don't know the answers to any of your questions. All I can provide is love and support pouring out of this response. Please consider yourselves hugged!

Erin

gdhogan

chemo knocked me down for several days after the cisplatin. I slept most of the time. A shower was a major event that required a long nap. Usually about a week later I was starting to snap back. Cisplatin was given every 4 weeks (it's rough stuff--for me). But it did the job...no growth at the current time!!. About a month after the last dose (12-07) I really started to get back some strength. But it took a while. Even now each day I find that I can do more and more.
Best of everything to you

iggy

My heart goes out to you and your family.

What does your mom want? I think that is the most important thing to know and that her wishes should be respected.

I have been through this with my dad (lung and brain), several girlfriends (terminal breast cancer), and now my husband (lung cancer). I just tried to make every day with them special. My experience is that hospice is a great asset during these times. They are wonderful at pain management and they are also great as a support network. You can call them to find out their services. For my dad, we let him know it was available but we let him make the decision to go with hospice.

prayers and thoughts are coming your way.

Carol

Gweena

My heart also goes out to all of you. Seeing her doctor and getting the most info possible is a good idea, but you have probably done that by now. just one word of caution on Hospice. Although they offer wonderful and helpful services, there will be no more treatments or tests allowed; only palliative care. So make sure the docs have no more options out there and that that is what your Mom wants. If this is the case, then sign up knowing that you can sign out if you hear of anything that might be helpful in prolonging her time with you and your loving family.
Hugs and best wishes to you all through this difficult time.
Gweena

middledaughter

Now we have added lasix to help. her ankles are swollen and a slight cough and she is out of breath. Doctor says lasix will help because we cant reduce the dex yet. MRI was done yesterday of the brain to check for any regrowth. Got a walker and shower chair and moms resting now. Big sis is ralleying the troops and cleaning the house here. We hope the lasix brings relief. Waiting on the tarceva now to try if she gets through this. Havent called hospice yet but its there when we are ready.

StephCS

Donna,
I'm thinking about you guys all the time. Your strength has been amazing. I guess we know where you got that from !! I want to be there. I may come down at the end of the week before Aunt Barb and Bobbi arrive - do you think that's okay ?
Love you.
Stephanie

Stay strong.

suezub

Hey guys love you all, hospice was a big help when we had nan home. It is just nice to know that someone elese is there when you need them. May not be a bad call, donna it would be a big help for you to know someone elese is there with you. love you see you soon.

Lucieee

I am sending a little care package that you should get tomorrow or Wednesday. Just a few things to hopefully brighten her day. Maybe hospice is the way to go now. They can help her and you in many ways. They treat the person and the family as opposed to the disease. I love you all and will see you soon.

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