Dr says 95% chance of total cure and recovery if 26 week regimen followed, 40 to 50% chance of cancer coming back if no treatment is followed, mom is obese and neurotic, all other complaints minor. I have encouraged mom's treatment and now mom and sister who has been here for less than 96 hours, most of them spent without mom, have come up with an "end of life" plan. I'm outraged I have taken 6 months out of my life to get to the point of everyone but me giving up, any thoughts? TY
If Mom has weighted all the options and she doesn't want to go thru it all, why should she. She is 88.
Mum is 78 years old, she will die sooner than later. If she goes through 26 weeks of treatment what is her life quality for those 26 weeks? What is her life expectancy with or without treatment?
What are Mum's options if she agrees to Palliative care or Hospice?
I know my Mum who is 85 would refuse cancer treatment. She has had a long healthy life and would not want to go through the side effects of chemo and radiation to extend her life any longer. I am also Mum's Health Representative and I would respect her wishes.
Please correct your Mum's age in your profile.
Maybe be a palliative care consult would help weigh the side effects against the possibility of a cure.
My cousin was diagnosed with stage 4 brain cancer in 2013 at the age of 40, with 5 young children. He underwent brain surgery and several rounds of chemo in short order. He said NEVER AGAIN to brain surgery and to chemo. He's still alive in 2020 and doing fairly well, all things considered. He's decided to let nature take its course instead.
Your mother may very well have made that same decision, and frankly, you can't blame her. If that's the case, work on accepting it and honoring her wishes. It's tough, I know. Sending you my best wishes and a big hug, too.
P.S. Your profile shows your mom's age as 88; you are saying here she's 78.......?
I guess 78 makes a little difference. Read a previous post and see Mom has breast cancer. I have a friend that had a lumpectomy and is now taking a pill for the next 5 yrs. Not sure if she finally went thru radiation. No chemo though, the pill takes the place of that. I know a couple of woman opted for a lumpectomy and radiation only.
PS Just read that sister is an RN. And it looks like Mom is in for a major operation. Breast removed and lymph nodes. Its scary and a lot of rehab. She may need therapy. Doctor has given u the upside, but has he given you the downside. If he hasn't he has to. People have sued because doctor didn't give both sides of outcome.