Help! My Mom Is In The End Stage Of Nhl!

My mom is currently in the last stages of Non-Hodgkins' Lymphoma, and I don't know what to expect. She is at home; she has only had one 4-month round of chemo almost two years ago. She doesn't want any more treatment. She is very swollen - one arm, legs, abdomen. Starting to wheeze a lot with every breath. She has some pain, but is mostly miserable with the swelling. Can anybody tell me what to expect over the next few days and weeks? My dad and I are her primary caregivers; the doctor doesn't know - just wants to keep her comfortable. I appreciate any feedback - thank you!

I can only imagine what you are going through with your Mom. And my heart goes out to you. I also respect your decision not to apply any more chemo treatments. These can be devastating.

I am not experienced in caregiving, but I hope you do not mind my responding from another perspective. I have NHL (Waldenstrom's). Have had it for about 5 years and have experienced 2 years of complete response to non-chemo type treatment. There are numerous non-chemo treatment drugs for NHL currently available (e.g. Rituxan, Velcade, Bexxar, Zevalin, Decadron, Thalidomide), and many others that are in clinical trials. Most of these are reported to have minimal side effects, compared to the classical chemo treatments. If you are not completely resigned to no treatment of any kind, you may want to check into some of these.

May God bless your efforts on behalf of your mother and may He provide wisdom, comfort and strength in the trial that all of you are bearing.

WWH

I can identify with your needing to know. My Father passed away 2 yrs ago from NHL, and I remember having the thoughts that you are expressing. I highly recommend that you contact a Hospice in your area. They are wonderful, and will help you and help your Mother get through this difficult time.

Carol,
I am very sorry about your mother. I have NHL, have been in remission for almost 3 years. I was in stage 5. I have the low grade type. I will be praying for you and your mom. I wonder each time I go back to the doctor, is it back. Just love on her and keep her comfortable and let her know that God loves her very much. We don't understand why these things happen. We will in heaven. May God bless each of you.

Bill F.