My husband's mother was given 5-10 years (about a year ago). She had breast cancer 9 years ago. Then last year they found some on her spine.. and then in a shocking night she had a stroke and they found massive amounts of brain cancer (3 golf ball size and one the size of a man's palm.. the doctor told us). They were able to remove it.. but since it had gotten that far they gave her 5-10 years. I heard it can be less than that (my father has worked in the medical field and said that might be generous).
I would ask my father but his mother died of cancer and it's touchy. I can read on the internet what happens medically.. but I'm more interested in the non-medical happenings. What are the signs that the person is dying of cancer? Will their mind go? Body be too weak? Will we know it's happening or one morning will she just not wake up?
If anyone has had a similar experience with these types of cancer please tell me how long it took also.. and the things they noticed...
2006-12-29 07:28:29 · 5 answers · asked by sputnixx 3 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Cancer
BTW.. the spine/bone cancer came a little over a year ago.. we don't know how long the brain cancer was there.. but that was removed about 8 months ago. That is when she was given 5-10. Now she has gone through a lot of chemo and radiation.. and having trouble walking a bit.. having trouble recovering from one of the radiations she had on her hip. She also seems a little different... sometimes a little out of it..
2006-12-29 07:30:28 · update #1
First, the 5-10 they mentioned is the average for people that have had a similar condition. Obviously, for that to be the average range, some had to be longer and some had to be shorter. Every patient is different.
Second, as far as looking for signs...again everyone is different. However, with a lot of patients, they ultimately have a catastrophic event that they can't recover from, anything from a secondary illness, like the flu or pneumonia to another stroke...that kind of thing. If there is not an event, they just get progressively weaker over a period of time until they can't go on. Many people stay perfectly coherant mentally and some do not as their body gives out.
Third, likely what you are seeing right now is known as "chemo head". It is well documented that during treatment, patients just get...dingy. When the treatment is stopped, this usually goes away. There is a possibility that there is some deficit from the stroke as well... but the chemo head thing gets a large percentage of patients. That treatment is brutal on the body. A noticable weakening is to be expected...again, when the treatment is stopped, she should get stronger.
It doesn't sound like your MIL is a patient for hospice at this point, but they are still a great reference for the kinds of questions you have. Call one in your area and talk to someone there... you will never encounter a more loving, concerned, helpful organization. They take care of the whole family, not just the patient...so they are geared toward answering questions and talking to you until you understand fully.
Your mother in law is lucky to have someone so concerned with understanding how best to care for her. I'm very sorry that you have to do it.
May you have peace in the new year.
2006-12-29 18:39:37 · answer #1 · answered by onenonblonde 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My heart goes out you and your family. I think you'll find the brain cancer the most unpredictable and lethal.. You will notice changes in her as you say she's a little out of it. Anything that affects the brain can and most likely will cause changes in her.
I would also suggest that you speak to your family Doctor so you can learn all you can and ways to help each other through this.
Your Father is right about being a little too generous. I can only tell you to enjoy the time with her now. One needs a lot of patience, always remember the caregiver needs to take care of themselves.
My husband died of cancer, he took a deep breath and left this world for a better place.. It was peaceful, I couldn't ask for more. He had suffered enough. Good luck to you
2006-12-29 07:48:53 · answer #2 · answered by lucyshines49 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Knowing the type of brain cancer they found I am not sure. My mother lived just over 2 years with brain cancer....neuroblastoma.
She had her first surgery and all could not be removed but had radiation and also see implants...one chemo treatment...was able to come home but one side before surgery she had already weakness on left side
I knew the time was near when she began sleeping more and more, was able to only whisper a few words, then finally went into a coma like stage.
Will never forget the most peaceful look one morning that came over her face I had ever seen....she was swollen in legs and arms.....I went back to my docs office where I worked and said to him......enough is enough....she is at peace its time to let her go....she died 4 days later in her sleep like state.
2006-12-30 17:29:45 · answer #3 · answered by Gypsygrl 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
moderately (a million or 2 4-ounce glasses) purple wine has shown to help with cardiovascular wellness. besides, purple wine has antioxidants. It would not truly "treatment" something, according to se. that's a stable upload-directly to a healthful eating ordinary and solid exercising.
2016-10-28 16:02:45 · answer #4 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Do you have a Hospice in your area? If so give them a call and they will be able to help you.
2006-12-29 07:42:58 · answer #5 · answered by lorac 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋