Sister's Cancer; Please Answer!

Oh yes, you are so right; I can't fix her! I saw the results of the latest CT scan! However, today when I called, I found out that when she woke up this morning, there was glorious yellow urine draining from that left kidney! I do not know what the problem was, but for today anyhow, she awoke with this great Christmas present; and for that, I am grateful. She has a new grandchild due any time, and she would so like to be alive to enjoy the baby a while. My other sister and I are trying to prepare for the worst, whatever that is and whenever it DOES happen, but then when a crisis occurs, if there IS something simple to be done, it's hard NOT to respond, because her fear is so great! Nothing heroic, and she started to talk about dialysis, if those kidneys do shut down! I certainly do NOT think that would be a good idea! Hopefully, Hospice can help her see that even if this was possible, it would just prolong her agony, waiting for the next and then the next crisis. Do you happen to know how these patients usually go? Hospice thought most likely kidney failure, but I have very little experience with these patients. Thank you for your post, and I hope everyone DID have a great Christmas, because my sisters and I did

I know, I was surprised too! He's a trooper though and has been elevated to saintly status! Anyway, the tube is draining for now, so we shall see what happens next. I'm planning a visit after the New Year. She lives with my other sister and her husband, who we call "Mission Man" as he's always being sent out on little missions and/or coming up with ways to make my sister's days easier; some of them quite creative! I have tried to distance myself, since I am a nurse and let the other nurses take over; easier said then done, for sure! Since you work in Hospice, can you tell me how the end might come, as far as any experience with this type of cancer? Thank you all for your posts!

Hi everyone, and thanks so much for posting. We have ovarian, breast, colon, prostate cancer in our family. Not too good, but my sis was in the lowest risk group for ovarian, so go figure. She has been having excruciating rectal, stabbing like spasms, and has to evacuate herself manually for the most part, as there is bowel encased in tumor, partial bowel obstruction, etc. But today she's doing better, as they have increased her Duragesic, and also has Dilaudid, and Percocet, I believe for breakthrough pain. Also, they gave her a topical anesthetic oint too, which has helped. I have to say, they've been really good about getting her the pain relief that she needs; they are not shy about that. She emailed me about her Christmas gifts she received, and the ones she gave, which especially gave her pleasure. She is profoundly deaf, and of course unable to work since is so ill, and receives a little disability check. Of course, she should not be spending money on ANYONE, but you know, that is the thing that has really lifted her spirits, plus the things she received; mostly comfort products and also tells me about visits from different ones. She's waiting for that new grandchild too! Jill, is your cousin's ca contained to the breast or mets? How is she doing? I'm happy that my sis'd kids are grown. It would really be awful to have younger children, like your cousin, and then choose NOT to fight anymore. Well, goodnight all and thanks for being there!

WOW! Your poor cousin DOES sound like she's on a sinking ship! Still, I think of the relatively long periods of time that my sis had good health between treatments, and after a course of chemo was over and done with, a three year long remission, the first time; it's really hard NOT to want them to fight, but of course, I don't mean now, as she has too much mets. I can't imagine what it would be like to take chemo along with the drugs for HIV; that WOULD be frightening! Also, my sis had two misread CT scans during approx a year-year and a half long period, which did NOTHING to help her situation, so things that might have been acted on, weren't, until things got out of hand. And so it goes in our less than perfect world! Thanks all and Happy New Year! I worked and helped to bring in Y2K last year, and now, I'll be working to ring in this New Year too!

Hi. Thanks so much for posting. There has been some talk about a pump, but it seems from your post, that should be the last resort, correct, because then they're teathered to a pole? I know she has quite a bit of nausea and takes Reglan for that, but she's still swallowing and eating. She has mets up by her diaphragm, indenting her liver, plus in other places within the peritoneal and pelvic areas. It DOES help to know about the different forms of pain relief available for her. Thanks