emphysema prognosis

[Joeycim]

My mom has severe emphysema, and has been on continuous O2  for 2 years, delivered through nasal cannula  at 3L.  She is s/p CVA, CHF, and mild MI.  She also has chronic pancreatitis (s/p alcoholism)and HTN.  She still smokes about a pack of cigarettes per/day.  When on  O2 her sats can be as high as 98%.  When off of O2, she can go into the 70s.  She is constantly using "pursed lip breathing", has a chronic, productive cough, and a barreled chest.  She has lost about 16 lbs in the past 7 months, aand has much less energy than ever.  She is 76 years old.  No one has ever given us a prognosis.  Does she have several years left, or several months.  She does not intend to quit smoking.

[National Jewish Health]

Your mom's age and the circumstances, including the cerebral vascular accident (CVA), congestive heart failure (CHF), coronary artery disease, the need for continuous oxygen, continued smoking, and her recent weight loss are all ominous, suggesting the likelihood of a relatively short life expectancy.  However, pulmonary function tests (PFTs) should also be included in any speculation on prognosis.  The weight loss could be due to her chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), another heretofore undiagnosed condition such as cancer or simply malnutrition due to an inadequate diet.

Her primary care provider (PCP) or, if she has seen a pulmonary specialist, are the best qualified people to render a prognosis and you should pose this question to them.