I used to be here as ladyrose but couldnt get back in! Sorry if I didnt respond to my other thread. Forgot my password and new password link didnt work.
Anyway....my husband...now 51...was diagnosed last Sept with sclc with 5 mets to brain. Had recon surgery...wb radiation and lung to the max out...and 6 cycles of chemo. During his last cycle and last round, doc did contrast ct to chest and abdomen. Results showed extensive liver cancer all throughout on both sides. Two options...chemo again...different kind...but only 30% rate of working and could make remaining quality of life miserable...or palliative care with hospice. He opted for hospice. Prognosis is 2 months...maybe 3...with no treatment or possibly 6 months with more chemo with 3 months of possible misery of the 6 mths.
Hospice came in last week. An RN twice a week and CNA twice a week with social worker anytime. Symptoms so far is no appetite...hes lost 20 lbs in about 3 weeks...losing average of 3-5 lbs a week. They are putting him on meds to boost appetite but told me privately that the weight loss may still occur. He is sleeping most of the day. Maybe will be up in a chair about 1 hour on average a day total combined. Having back..stomach and leg pain. Hes now losing all facial hair...the last side effect of the chemo. And of course his bowel movements and urination are far and few between due to lack of eating and drinking. He is maxed out on oxycodone and other meds. His last blood pressure was 108 over 72 which is good for most...but had just eaten a little and moved around and his bp is usually always 140's over 80's. Nurse told me privately that 6-8 weeks for him would most likely be generous. She wasnt being mean. I point blank asked her due to all her experience with sclc relapse patients along with his particlar overall health.
Hes looking old and frail. Im thinking less then 6 weeks. Looking for anyone whose gone through this to the liver. His lungs and brain are ok.
Reply # - April 29, 2015, 06:20 AM
Continued....
Continued....
Im now looking for signs of bloating...mottling of skin...yellowing of skin and eyes...as well as emotionals..like withdrawing which is already ocurring....confusion is already occuring....memory loss as well ocurring....he had a dream about his deceased father as well.
One minute he will say he feels fine and doesnt believe the doc...whom hes trusted for many months....and next minute he says hes just going to live out his last three months to the fullest with camping and fishing...yet he isnt out of bed long enough to even eat.
What would be your estimate? We do believe in God and know only He knows the date and time...and my husband and I have laid this all at Gods feet....but you know how it is. Everyone going through this with a family member would like to have the script to this play...metaphorically...or at least hear enough versions of it to be able to summarize what the outcome will be.
So please tell me your story?