wests
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Jan,
I wish you the best. I just lost my mother to this cancer last week. The people on this site were very nice and forthcoming with information. I will keep you and your husband in my thoughts and prayers.
MarkJust wanted to let you all know that my mom left us during the early morning hours of Wed. Aug. 27th. She was in a great deal of pain for about the last week or so, slipped into a coma early Sunday morning, then left us a few days later. She was with me, my father and my other brother and no longer has to deal with this earthly disease. I appreciate everyone’s help and input on this awful cancer.
My mom’s speech has been slurred, she’s been a little confused and agitated. The hospice nurse says she’s got a build up of ammonia from Hepatic Encephalopathy which damages the brain.
1-Is this common for this kind of cancer?
2-If so, what else can we expect?
3-Is this a sign of things coming to and end?
If anyone has experience with this, I would like to hear from you about it.
Thanks
MarkWell my mom has seemingly been turned down by every doctor and hospital now. She still has some good days sometimes, but it seems her bad days are now outnumbering the good ones. She’s always sick to her stomach (especially the first half of each day), and she does well if she eats 2-3 crackers for a whole day. Her pain medicine is becoming less and less effective. They’ve upped the dosage, but it seems to not help so much. This is gut wrenching witnessing her pain, nausea and yellow skin and eyes. I feel so helpless. I want to help more, and want to make it go away, it’s just a bad situation.
MarkPatty, you are absolutely right. Years doesn’t seem to be an option at this point. I’d be thrilled if she’d make it to Christmas. Next April would be my parents 50th weddign anniversary. Yes, I am glad I found this site…. kind of a support group kind of thing. And I appreciate everyone’s concern. I’ll probably check back in a few days from now.
MarkI forwarded all of my mom’s records and charts to the Univ Of Virginia at their request. As it turns out here’s what the doctors reply was:
I have reviewed the chart of your mother.
Unfortunately she has diffuse disease in the liver and comorbidities (pulmonary embolism) making Photodynamic therapy unsafe. I wouldn’t recommend this therapy in her case.
Should you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.
All the bestMichel Kahaleh, M.D.
Not sure what diffuse means, but I told him in the original communication that she had a blood clot that has been treated for 3 weeks. This has really burst my bubble. Trying not to give up here. Guess I will check with Duke University next.
Joyce, my mom lives in Gastonia, NC (just outside of Charlotte). That sounds like another possible option and can’t hurt to check it out. I’m a little clueless and figuring why they can normally not operate even if it’s spread (a little on bile duct, some on liver, etc). Seems they could try removing some from both areas, but I’m no doctor. Thanks for the info!
MarkThanks you all! Tiapatty, I really appreciate your article. It sounds somewhat promising, and my mom may be a candidate. I e-mailed the doctor who is over that research, and he has asked me to forward all of my moms records, he thinks she may be a candidate. I will try to keep you all posted. Again, thanks for the kind words of you all and your support!
Mark
