emphysema prognosis

[scranle]

My mother has been diagnosed with severe emphysema. This past spring she also had non small cell lung cancer metastasized to the brain.  We went through radiation, chemo, and lst xray shows no sign of cancer.. Because of all this, she now is unable to walk, is on oxygen(3.0) 24/7, nebulizer, and inhalers. Also note that she is 100 lbs overweight and not in the best physical health. She is sedentary. Doctors seem to just send us home with no new meds or tests.  What is your opinion on her status.  At the present time, she is living in my dining room, using a commode. should we be looking for long term care or do you feel the time is short enough that she should just stay in my home.  The only unusual side effect she has is that she sleeps about 13 hours a night.  I have read that emphysema sufferers have a hard time sleeping.  Also, it is better to encourage walking, or just let her sit.  I know I must sound a little off the wall, but this has not been an easy haul.

[National Jewish]

Yours truly is a most difficult task.  What you have done, thus far, is commendable, but it sounds like you need help.  We are not able to offer a prognosis on any person who is not directly under our care.  From what you describe, it sounds like there may not be any good treatment options.  What will be needed now is compassionate care, such as you have provided.  We strongly suggest that you sit down with the doctor who knows your mother the best and engage in a frank conversation about her prognosis.  Ask for assistance in helping you and your mother and your family to get through these most difficult months.  It may involve arranging for home health care, home hospice or just plain hospice care.  You should ask her doctor directly if the time is short enough to pursue one of these options.

Good luck.