My Mommy

[Franky35]

Hello, my name is Franky. My Mom was diagnosed w/ Hep C 15 years ago. She has seen a Liver Specialist the entire time. Gastroenterologist, top in his field. As well her PCP, is involved in her treatment. She has undergone 7 treatment programs, Interferon, Ribavirin, Pegasus, Peg Intron-A etc.  All have had no positive effects. The side effects of the treatment almost killed her 3 times. She is regularly screened for Liver Cancer. She is not a candidate for a liver transplant as the Hep C has also effected other organs in her body and she has other health issues.  It has been a long road for her. Recently, we went to her Specialist and he said she was in Stage 4 Liver Cirrhosis, cause from the Hep C. She needed to get her affairs in order. So we have taken all the necessary steps on paper, regarding her wishes. She has lost a lot of weight, she is very depressed...often telling me she is done fighting. She had enormous swelling in her abdomen, she is jaundiced and has no appetite. We are lucky to get her to eat once a day. When she does eat, she almost always vomits. Her capillaries on her stomach have started to pop, causing little red dots. She often gets kidney infections, she is also diabetic, which seems to be enormously affected by the Hep C virus. She is also, in constant pain. I know that she is dying and have come to terms with that fact, but it still killing me to watch her suffer.   Today, I saw her and she told me her stool was white. I has researched the white stool issue and am not finding any clear information. I need to know if this means her time has run out,? I can find info on 'light colored stools', but not specifically white. I have a call into her Doctor, as I am the one who takes her to all her appointments, treatments and surgical procedures. I just am at a loss and he has not called back yet. Can anyone help me?

[hobo2]

My heart and prayers goes out for the both of you, Franky,  What I was referring to with the duiretics, was from you comment about her swelling in her abdomen, which is common with advanced disease, it's called Ascides, when the stomach becomes swollen with fluids..  If this has been very recent, then the doctor should give her relief from this with diuretic..  If she does have ascides, [an ultrasound would show this] then this would be a major cause of her not being able to keep foods down, especially when she lays down, it sort of just makes everything come back up because of the pressure being backed-up.  It would also give her shortness of breath and great pressure upon her whole body, bringing hemroids problems, and if not taken care of soon enough, it leads to unbelicord rupture, [her belly button would extend outward]  I pray this is not the case.. but if it is, rest assured that proper dosing of diuretic would bring her much need comfort.   Please let me know if she might change her mind about giving up, as the way that you describe her condition at present, is just how I was almost a year ago. ascities too..  so I know first hand what a hopeless box that she feels she's in..  Letting her know that you "need her" to live might help her wanting to.   I just hate to see anyone "give-up" when I know that it really doesn't need to be so.   I'm here.. and I will do everything I can to help her!! Please let her know I said so, okay!   God bless and strengthen you both through these times of trials.

[nygirl7]

I'm very sorry Franky my own mom has been quite ill battling her own battles and I know how it feels to want to help but be able to do so little.

I dont have too much advice but wanted to let you know too that my prayers are with you!

[Franky35]

My mom has not been diagnosed with any type of liver cancer as of yet, so I am confused as to what you are referring to. We do have an appointment with her Specialist this morning to discuss her white stool and more tests.  Also, she is not on a diuretic, at all. I will ask the doctor about the Oxygen aspect of treatment today. Thank you so much for your suggestions. I will try hard to get her to at least try the smoothie. She already eats blue berry's, it the getting them to stay down that is the problem. I know that a lot of people are of the belief that there is a cure out there for Hep C, and while the treatment regimens using cancer treatment therapies are wonderful and can help, my mom has no faith in them. She has been on several treatment programs, even two experimental therapies. She tells me how done she is all the time. It's saddens me to know she has given up, and I'm sure this has a lot to do with her quickened deterioration over the last few months.

[hobo2]

Your mom's diuretic, Spironolact is most likely one of them, over a period of time, causes great stress on the kidneys, not to mention the swelling and tenderness of the breast associated with taking it.. the bile ducts gets exhausted with such diuretic stimulants and causes all sorts of flow problems.   I've had this happen a couple of times, white stool, it's not an easy situation to be in, and what I did was to mix a teaspoon of epsom salts is a cup of filtered water and down it quicky on an empty stomach, then waited "2" hours later to the minute and downed another one.. it causes a quick flush to the lower GI track, waited one more hours then started eating blueberries blended up in a mixer with frozen Yogart and a little soymilk. "Smoothie"
followed about an hour later with dejuiced carrots, [red beets dejuiced works great too]   This should kick start her digestive nzimes and probiotics again,  Put her on real foods.. foods that are "alive" like blended/dejuiced veggies for 50% of her food diet, no animal fats, no salt of course, and by all means, get her some green walnut hull capsules, Dr.Clark products carries these.   If she is not on oxygen, plead with your doctor to get her on it!!  The oxygen concentrators are great too as she can start putting oxy. into her system 24/7 with these machines.  Good used/rebuilt ones runs around $200-$300.. Cancer can not live in an increased oxygenated enviroment, though there are other ways of taking it more effectively than just breathing it. Do some research on oxygen therapy and or ozone/oxygen therapy, though these methods aren't practiced by doctors in this country, they are in emergency rooms of hospital in other countries though. [It's sort of do it yourself at home thing]
For your information, there's been cases of patients who have come in on stretchers and have recovered. so there is always "hope".. It begins in the "mind" first, the "will-power" second, then comes "determination".
There's so many details that I didn't cover here, sorry, but I hope you'll find some of this helpful.  Will be praying for her too!

[sh625]

God Bless
My keyboard is sticking

[sh625]

Sorry, I can't answer your question as I am very new to all this myself.I will certainly keep your family in my prayers. Go Bless

[copyman]

many of your moms symptoms can be treated to make her more comfortable.  is there a teaching hospital that you could take her for a second opinion?

the white stool is most likely from the liver disease but does'nt mean she is close to death. there are many things to look for when close to death and white stool is not one of them.

You are a great daughter to take care of your mom the way you do.

My prayers go out to you and your mom. God bless

[mikesimon]

White stools are sometimes associated with liver failure. Given her situation, it is not an encouraging sign.
Mike

[Franky35]

These are my Moms Syptoms...

Flu-like illness, gastroparesis, muscle and joint pain, myalgia, night sweats, depression,
severe fatigue, abdominal bloating/swelling, diarrhea/constipation, severe headaches, mental confusion/fog, itchy skin, severe dizziness, severe liver pain, cognitive dysfunction, shortness of breath, absolute loss of appetite, chills, palpitations, yellowing of the skin/whites of eyes, complete loss of libido, spider nevi, nausea and vomiting, and of course, now, white stools.