Final stages of ovarian cancer

[lansp]

My 85 year old Mom has been battling ovarian cancer for almost 3 years. She has been on numerous chemos and radiation in January for an apple size recurrence between her bladder and bowel. Her last scan showed she now has a spot on her liver and some lymphatic involvement. She is now on Cytoxan which is making her very sick. I am so sad for her because we are very close. She has lost alot of weight and has frequent diarrhea. Has anyone had a similar course of illness? How long can my Mom go on this way?

[SimplyStar]

When the time comes, and you will know, hospice is a good answer, let her be free of pain and able to enjoy her time  with her family and friends. It is not easy to give up, but if the quality of life is gone, then you need to think about  what would give her some peace.  From one that has been there, I am so sorry about your mother,  but this is for you also, it is very hard to be the caregiver at the end of a loved ones life.  Marty

[jane65]

Have you considered letting Mom enjoy what ever time she has left, and stopping treatments, and has she expressed her feelings about that?

At 85 what does the oncologist expect to be able to give her as quality of life?

Perhaps it would be kindest to speak to the oncologist about Hospice, and not be putting her through chemo which you said is making her very sick.

I'm only thinking aloud about what I would want for myself.
Best wishes to you, and your dear Mom.
Jane

[bebe709]

I wanted you to know that I am praying for your mom!!  And I am soo sorry she is going through this late in life!!!  Lets be positive.

Bebe709

[crecco]

Please try not to have her gone before her time. I too have been battling ovarian cancer for 3 1/2 years and have had spots in my liver the whole time. I just recently found out I had 2 new lymph nodes affected but I am still doing fine. The diarrhea may just be caused by the chemo but you do need to ask her Dr about it.
  As Judy said, we cannot say for sure as we are not Drs, but these are vaild questions to ask her Dr the next time she goes.
Good luck to both you and your mom
     Chris

[JC145]

I don't think any of us can give you an answer to that question as each individual is so different.  She has had a hard fight and may be ready to let go.  Having said that, I would make sure her doctor's are aware of the diarrhea, etc. as they may switch drugs yet again.  Good luck and God Bless You and Mom.

Judy