I am really scared. she is my best friend. I just don't know what to expect. please help?..
2006-12-05 05:57:32 · 8 answers · asked by chiwawa_chichi 1 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Cancer
This is a somewhat vague question and it may elicit the wrong responses . . a stage IV at diagnosis means you need a more heavy duty treatment than if you were diagnosed at stage 1. Stage IV is not an automatic death sentence, there is always hope.
In order to reply to your question . . when was your mother diagnosed? How old is your mother? Is she in good physical health other than the cancer? Does she has secondary health issues?
Is she able and willing to fight her disease? Are her doctors willing to help her fight this disease?
Has your mother undergone any treatment . . ie chemotherapy . . what was her response? Is her cancer resectable by surgery? Are the doctors concerned about her quality of life? Are they talking curative treatment or palliative treatment?
There are just too many questions that are impossible to respond to in this type of forum.
You need to have an open and honest dialogue with your mothers doctor. If he is discouraging her, than maybe you need a second opinion. You should also locate a doctor and treatment facility that 'specialize' in her type of cancer. Most doctors are committed to do what is best for their patient, but you all need to be on the same page about what is best.
So much depends on her age and current health status . . but if she is strong, and chooses to fight she may respond to chemotherapy treatment. You need to ask many, many questions in order to determine what the best step will be for your mother (make sure you involve her and abide by her wishes and not yours . . does she want to fight?)
To fight or not is an individual decision . . and there are treatments available under certain circumstances. But if she is already sick than the treatment may not be the best avenue to take at this point. Her doctor should be able to guide you in making these decisions.
Peace and best wishes
2006-12-05 07:46:33 · answer #1 · answered by Panda 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I'm sorry to hear that, believe me.
I am a nurse and I have taken care of many patients with this condition, as well as my own mother passing away two years ago from it and other cancer throughout her body.
Best thing to do is see what her prognosis is for how long she has left to live. If she has six months or less, call your local Hospice organization and get them involved. Your doctor can direct you to the Hospice in your area, which is most likely associated with a hospital in your area.
They are really wonderful and will pay for any prescription treatment she will need and also come out to help you take care of her as well as have in home care for her arranged if necessary.
They can offer you all kinds of emotional support also.
I took care of my mom the last six months of her life with Hospice's help, and Medicare and Medicaid pay for it.
I'm glad I was able to do it.
2006-12-05 06:04:43 · answer #2 · answered by Big Bear 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Go here to see the different stages of cancer.
http://tinyurl.com/wc7y4
This is from webmd.com. Lots of information at web.md and and at mayoclinic.com. Just type in colon cancer in their search box.
I'm sorry to hear about your mother. I hope she has a good doctor who will answer your questions. Could you go with her, to discuss her case?
2006-12-06 00:10:51 · answer #3 · answered by Cat Lover 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Pray.And leave it in God Hands. God will bring her through. Be by your mother side because she needs you. And be positive around her because she doesn't need anyone to be down around her.Just make sure every moment ya'll have together be memorable and enjoyable.
2006-12-05 06:06:57 · answer #4 · answered by Malaysia 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You should pray that she okay. Always pray. Don't be afraid to ask the doctors any questions. I'll pray for your mother and your family.
2006-12-05 06:12:37 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm so sorry. I hope she is getting hospice care at home. There is really nothing that can be done, except to make her as comfortable as possible. Just be there with her. Keep her calm, clean.....and tell her how much you love her.
2006-12-05 06:01:55 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Pray and help her to get right with God if she isn't already.
2006-12-05 06:03:10 · answer #7 · answered by Ryan K 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
i would start to spend as much time with her as you can. she can't possibly have to much time left to live
2006-12-05 06:05:53 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋