Before her surgery, my mother said she wouldn't treat it if she had cancer. But in front of the doctor, she said yes. The tumor was very large (11 inches) and wrapped around several organs. She weathered the surgery like a champ. Still waiting on the pathology report, which has been sent to Stanford. The type of tumor she has is very rare.
Any comments appreciated.
Ask the doctor what he expects to accomplish with the chemo. Ask what she can expect FROM the chemo. Ask what to expect without the chemo.
My husband has advanced dementia and I know if he was still lucid, he’d choose death from cancer than dementia.
RN, OCN.....retired.
My mother had got 10 good years from chemo and a mastectomy, aged 68. It returned she was 78, and the cancer had metastasised throughout her abdomen. The oncologist operated to remove all (?) of the metastasised material, and was pressing her to have another 6 month of chemo and radiotherapy. Her physician did not agree, but was not prepared to oppose the oncologist. I asked the oncologist, in mother’s presence, how much longer she would be likely to live. The answer was 8 months to a year, and that included the 6 months chemo.
My mother then understood exactly what she was facing from another round of chemo, and what she stood to gain from it. She refused immediately. She lived another few weeks, comfortably emotionally and in no pain.
If mom is aware enough that she FULLY understands what the diagnosis is, what the treatment involves along with all the side effects AND what the chances of them curing the Ovarian Cancer is then she can make an informed decision.
BUT
I would not want to put my loved one through chemo.
I would opt for Hospice at this point.
There is a VERY good chance that they did not get all the cancer and she would have to undergo more surgery
She may have done well with the anesthesia this time but next time it may not clear her system as well.
As she declines each chemo session will become more difficult.
And there is a "chemo fog" add that to dementia.
I am so sorry...
((hugs)) for you and mom.
We don't really have enough information to make a decision. The tumor is a fourth stage cancer, a slow grower that may have been there for many years. As I understand it, the grading is what determines life expectancy. We won't have that for another couple of weeks.
My mother bounced back incredibly from the surgery. Up right away and no pain, ever! She was very energetic before and is still. The doctor told us he recommended chemo, but that she was free to tell him to go jump in a lake. He also stated he thought she would handle the chemo well.
It's hard to know what to do especially for someone else. I have always tried to make informed decisions, however, there are times I make what I think the best decision is and hope I got it right. I wish you and your mother the best and that whoever makes the decision and whatever the decision is you will find peace that you are doing the best you can. That is all any of us can do.