My grandmother, who is 83 years old, was diagnosed with ovarian cancer over two years ago. She has been stage 4 once, back to stage 2, and now back to stage 4. She has extreme abdominal swelling and pain (ascites). She had 6 quarts of fluid taken off her stomach 3 weeks ago, and 8 more quarts taken off two days ago. Her stomach has already begun swelling again. She can not take certain types of chemo because her esosphagus has been damaged. She was supposed to get chemo intraveneously yesterday, but the doctor would not allow it because she did not look well enough. My grandparents are old school and do not question the doctor on anything, so we have no idea how long she may have to live. Does anybody have any experience with a prognosis, life expectancy, quality of life? She is a Christian, she is ready to go to the Lord, but she continues to have procedures (parencentesis) done because her husband is not ready to let her go.
2007-09-06 10:48:48 · 3 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Cancer
A paracentesis will not make your granmother live longer, it will just make her more comfortable. She can breathe easier and sleep better if the fluid is removed. Problems is it comes back as quickly as it is removed and then creates electrolyte imbalances and literally dehydrates her. Sounds ridiculous, but its true. Most doctors leave the huge amount of fluid there and remove it only to make her comfortable.
Her husband is going to need a lot of support from your family since her days are numbered.
Peace and Gods love to your grandma, grandpa and family.
RN
2007-09-06 10:57:56 · answer #1 · answered by happydawg 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
i'm no longer a physician so i could no longer be geared up to respond to this correct yet i will assist you to be attentive to what i be attentive to. needless to say the point that's at is distressing, yet attempting to be certain how lots time could be left won't be a sturdy use of the time you have along with her. additionally attempt to keep in mind that she is incredibly youthful and has a greater advantageous danger than an older guy or woman might. being a hospice nurse makes you spot this from a quite pessimistic viewpoint maximum in all probability, yet there are stable issues to think of roughly. there are very stable maximum cancers treatments and medicines at present. all wish isn't lost. stable luck.
2016-10-10 02:14:57 · answer #2 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i am practicing TCM for 12 year now, acupuncture and diet adjustment is somthing that couls make a difference for your grandmother.It is one of the most effective way to deal with this problem. Herbal treatment also can make mach difference. Find good TCM practitioner as soon as possible.
2013-12-18 02:12:24 · answer #3 · answered by olga h 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋