signs that we are near the end?

[LILLIAN577]

One doctor says she has 2 months well from what date. She is still eating, walking and carrying on with her daily activites. Except she really doesnt feel like going anywhere. The ascites was bad drained 2 days ago 3 liters only from one spot, non of the other locations looked good enough. Im wondering if the are stages to watch out for. her surgury is June 25th. Do we have that long? I know noone knows that answer. Every doctor gives her a different time frome. Signs of the end drawing near? Is ascites one of them? Pain in Liver another? we think its the liver??? upper right quadrant. I need some answers

[LILLIAN577]

Thank you your post really helped me. I was and still am a little concerned with her age.
But I have hope that the surgury will help some.
Thank you
Lilly

[JC145]

I can only think things will have to improve after surgery.  Once the tumor is removed, the ascites "should" quit accumulating.  Tumors pressing anywhere, along with the fluid from ascites, can cause pain.  I agree with Jane, call her MD's for some answers.  There are many chemo options that can also be discussed due to age, etc.  We can help you with the management of side effects since we've all been through them.  It can be done.  I am currently going through chemo with a lady in her 80's and she's doing well, all things considered.  This is her first chemo also.

Judy

[jane65]

Hi Lillian,
I can see how frightened you are and in need of professional answers.
Next week, why don't you call your Mom's Oncologist, or even better her surgeon, make a list of all the questions you and Mom have, and both of you sit down with the specialist and ask all the questions you have.
The ladies are glad to offer advice, or personal information, but speaking with Mom's doctor may put your mind at rest.
Best of luck to your Mom for her good health in the future.
Jane

[onthemendmomma]

I agree with Chris....and just want to add

Prior to debulking (before I got to my onc/gyn) they told me I had a few months. Now my doc...says he expects me to be in the "cure" group. I don't think they really know. As Chris said...it's odds and averages....I wish I knew what to expect but none of us can. She is so lucky that you are watching out for her. I know I appreciate the people who are watching out for me, especially when I'm really weak and comprimised, just keep getting her the best pain management possible (I don't mean to say "narc" her...just minimize her suffering) and the best nutrition possible) and hopefully good things will happen.

Lots of love,
christina

[crecco]

Ascities can be there from the very begining. Most of the pain she is experiencing is from the cancer itself. Once the surgery is done and chemo is started, she should begin to feel much better.
  I am not trying to tell you what to do as I know that it is very much on your mind, it was for all of us. But you are better off not pushing her Drs to give you a time frame because no one really knows. We are all different and the way our bodies react to the treatments are different also. Drs can only guess according to statistics (which by the way when you recieve statistics for 5 years, you must remember that those statistics are now at least 5 years old) And though the statistics are on the low side, we are all capable of being in that minority.
   Almost 2 years after I was diagnosed, my Drs informed me that at the time, he did not think that I was going to make it through the years end. That was 3 1/2 years ago and I am still feeling better now than I was then. One thing that we all learn is not to focus on time frames because we are all just as capable as the next person for beating those odds. Hope and the will to fight go along way helping us to achieve that
                   Chris