My mother is 88 now with stage IV lung cancer and isn't receiving treatment (she chose not to and is probably too old for it). Furthermore, she doesn't want to know the severity of it. She is in hospice at home. She thinks the doctor is just sending out a nurse to check on her. She's still "ok" but her cough is A LOT to hear. Her breathlessness is not too bad yet. Any advice for lung cancer patients and how to make them as comfortable as possible? Any helpful ideas, things that worked for them?
The hospice nurse says to use morphine to help with the cough if needed. I am currently using a humidifier in her room, she does neub treatments, and takes cough syrup. She also sleeps on a wedged pillow. I feel like I need to do more but don't know what.
I know every person is different but I am willing to try different things. Also, what has been the outcome with your loved one? Have they lasted to the end, heart attack, aneurysm? Doctor says there's a good chance she may have a heart attack. I am living on the edge every day. I know it may different for everyone but just curious I guess. Thanks.
As a person on hospice care becomes more fatigued (as disease progresses, the body's ability to try to compensate becomes exhausted and the body conserves energy for core functions.) the person will sleep more, eat and drink. less, may show non verbal signs of discomfort, etc. Often an infection or dehydration is the actual cause of death in an exhausted body...and hospice knows how to keep the focus on comfort all along the way. Trust the team to answer your questions and help you and your mom.
Hospice team can't predict what will happen at the end...though they have general ideas, every death is different.
As an RN I think you already know what to expect. You say that your Mom has refused treatment for her cancer, so it seems she DOES know what is going on and I hope knows what hospice is. I would be as honest with her as she wishes to be. Patients often talk to their nurses because they feel their families don't want to hear it. And they themselves don't want false reassurances. At the end they are usually ready for honest OR in denial. Your Mom will guide you where she is at and you should honor that.
Morphine is the best relief for the cough and there are medications to lessen secretions. As your hospice nurse about those if needed. Generally things "usually" pass to more and more weakness and sleep, then a comatose condition. Don't withhold medications.
Your Mother's decision would be mine, as a Nurse. I am so sorry, and I so admire what you are doing for her in her last time. My heart and best wishes go out to you.
Your physical care of him sounds very thoughtful and good. Bless you on this difficult journey.