She doesn't want to talk about it, but her family needs to know what she will be going through so we can be emotionally prepared. She seems to have little to no pain; has had a high colostomy to relieve strangulation of her intestine by the spreading tumor. Her main symptoms are a distended abdomen and she is very weak.
All the cancer sites online tell about treatments for fighting the disease, but none of them tell us about end of life issues when chemo and radiation are declined by the patient.
2007-12-03 15:57:19 · 5 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Cancer
Her doctor or the hospital should have resources that include hospice care, hopefully. And it is helpful if you develop a good working relationship with her doctor, and speak with him/her about how you will actually manage her care and pain control as the disease progresses. If you can arrange for hospice care, the hospice will have people available to help you and your family, as well as your mother, prepare for the paticular challenges you will face. Since she has opted not to have chemo or radiation, future treatment will be strictly for symptom control and her comfort. In hospice, there are no treatments aimed to extend life, only to provide for comfort and dignity for the person. The staff includes nursing personnel with experience in supporting the patient and family, spiritual advisors, and counsellors who can work with you all as you go through the difficult process.
The final progress of the disease varies for many women. Usually there are respiratory problems, and her kidneys may fail. She will get progressively weaker, and it's not unusual for them to stop eating, or not eat much at all beyond a few bites. She will tend to sleep more and more, and of course pain medications will tend to make her sleep more as well. She will likely reach an accomodation with her end before the rest of you are able, and I would not be surprised if she tries to help you all reach acceptance before the end comes. The patients usually do try to say their goodbyes and reassure those who will go on living.
I'm sorry this is what you must face in the near future. The dying itself is usually the easy part, it's the surviving that proves the challenge. If you and your family, and your mother are religious people, it does help a great deal to have your spiritual advisor for support and assistance. If hospice care is not available, then the people at the hospital should have resources available to help you when the time comes. You can also look for grief counsellors, for the family at least. Cancer treatment centers also are good sources for aid and assistance, and have support groups and people that can answer many of your questions. I hope for you all, your mother and your family, that you find a sense of peace and help to cope with what is to come.
2007-12-03 16:22:08 · answer #1 · answered by The mom 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Relax. It does not sound like an ovarian melanoma. First you ought to recognize that melanoma in a number of the instances way malignant tumor. Malignant way very dangerous and in addition it might unfold(metastasis). Most ovarian tumors(tumor no longer regularly way melanoma) are benign in ladies
2016-09-05 20:33:06
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When you say advanced, do you mean it has metastasized to other organs? Is she a candidate for surgery? If the cancer is confined to the ovaries, surgery is a must. If there is metastasis, she knows what her survival rate is and has accepted this. Help for the family can come from a hospice provider. The nurse will come to your mother's home to evaluate her, recommend effective pain medications and counsel the family on what to expect. Hospice staff are very courteous, sympathetic and will be with you and your mother until the end. The grief counseling continues for family even after the patient dies. You can also seek spiritual counsel from your pastor.
2007-12-03 21:15:19 · answer #3 · answered by Lynn 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Sounds like your Mom just wants to be kept comfortable.
I wish my husband would have handled his cancer that way.
He was sliced and diced and suffered lots and lots.
The family will need to give her lots of support thru this most difficult of times.
The family will also need lots of support thru this.
Contact your local Hospice and ask for support with this.
They are wonderful and not all about treatment.
I wish your family an easy transition!
2007-12-03 16:15:29 · answer #4 · answered by jfl 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Talk with someone in hospice. They are very helpful in this area.
2007-12-04 00:30:05 · answer #5 · answered by Simmi 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋