Please Delete

Brens Daughter

If i could delete my old posts i would please be so kind and delete thanks so much!!

Quilting brings calm

What told you that her colon cancer is back if there hasn’t been any exam or tests? Symptoms, I suppose?

Here is something to consider while you are trying to decide what to do: Around here we ask- are you going to put her through the treatment once you find out the results? Will the treatments cure her? Can she handle the treatment? Will she understand what the treatments are or will she he frightened by them? If the treatment involves surgery, the anesthesia could cause her Alzheimer’s to progress. Is she going to fight every appointment -skip out on appointments? What is the result going to be and will it aid in her quality of life? Do you want her to go through this and continue to die of Alzheimer’s ?

if she is already on hospice, maybe leave her there and get things set up for medication to keep her comfortable

i’m sorry you have to make this decision.

harshedbuzz

This is really a difficult situation. I am sorry you are having to make a choice.

I didn't have to make medical decisions exactly like this, but there was a retired surgeon in my local IRL support group who faced exactly your dilemma. His wife in later stages-- probably stage 6-- had a recurrence of colon cancer. He elected to bring in hospice at that point rather than treat.

My dad had initiated treatment for a recurrence of prostate cancer a few months before he was diagnosed with moderate mixed dementia. We did continue the treatment which was a twice-yearly hormone injection to clear his system of testosterone. We did this for 3 reasons: 1) it was fairly simple, 2) we'd hoped to avoid a fractures which would move him into a SNF and 3) his behavior was sexually inappropriate at times, and I hoped flushing the hormones out of his system might calm him down.

HB

Brens Daughter

Thankyou!

Brens Daughter

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/comment/177508#Comment_177508

Hi, I can understand you asking this our primary dr did blood work the cancer markers are saying her level is up for colon cancer again. Her dementia Alzheimer's is getting progressed and for months she has neglected to make her appts to both cancer dr and primary dr .thanks for your helpful insight .

mommyandme (m&m)

Does your mom know and understand her situation, Alzheimers and cancer? You said your mom wants to be checked? If my mom was lucid enough to say she wanted the tests and treatment it would be very difficult to deny her, especially if it was a common topic of conversation. If that were the case I think I’d go forward. But as soon as she refused to go to said tests and treatment, no more, back to hospice. When mom was on hospice, which was for almost two years, if something was up I’d ask her if she wanted to go to the dr/hospital. She didn’t or didn’t understand so that was an easy.

If your mom doesn’t get it, (that sounds harsh, sorry) I’d stick with hospice and let her live the rest of her days as comfortable as possible. Who knows, the cancer may have metastasized already to a point that treatment would be futile. Or painful and just to add a little more time of misery with dementia. Is that for the patient or for the family?

Another example that I find comparable might be a dementia caregiver who’s LO broke a hip and who declined surgery for that simple humane reason, so they may live their life peaceful and comfortable til the end. But if their LO comprehended then I suppose surgery might be considered.

When my mom contracted Covid, lifesaving measures were never considered. (long story). I’m glad she didn’t last until she couldn’t lift her head any longer, couldn’t smile or eat and drooled, which dementia promised for her future. “A blessing in disguise”.

im so sorry for this decision for you.

Brens Daughter

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/comment/177544#Comment_177544

Hi, she actually forgets an hour later what she says bless her heart she has advanced alz

M1

Brens daughter im sorry. I wouldn't take her off hospice. We can't always cure, but we can always comfort. From what you've written it really sounds like comfort care is in order. My partner has an incurable lymphoma and there's no question that when it recurs, we will not treat. We don't even do tests for it. She's forgotten that she has it.

The blood test they did for your mom was likely called CEA, its a protein that most colon cancers secrete. I would not go looking for it and it may be regrettable that they even ordered the test. On the other hand, perhaps it will be helpful for you to know that if she starts to a decline, this may be why.

mommyandme (m&m)

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/comment/177572#Comment_177572

Then I’d continue with hospice and have the best rest of your time.

Brens Daughter

update she is on hospice and its the best thing for her .

harshedbuzz

@Brens Daughter

I feel like you made a thoughtful and loving choice.