My Mother was diagnosed with non hodgkins lymphoma of the stomach in May. I immediately quit my job and moved in with her. For whatever reason, they did not operate. She did 8 treatments of Rituxan (which the cancer did not respond well to) then 24 radiation treatments which ended this week. She is a young 81. However, she is very weak, sleeps all day, eats very little solid food, and drinks about 3 Boosts a day. She is despondent and gazes into space. I find the only time I can get a response from her is when I'm upset with her (which breaks my heart). None of the doctors have ever staged her cancer? I keep asking, but noone seems to know. My fear is that if the radiation has not taken care of the cancer she will not be able to do chemo because she will not be strong enough, then what? I am fighting my behind off for her and I actually get angry with her for not fighting (of which I have much guilt). Every hour and a half I make her drink 1/2 a Boost. I can only get about 3 in her a day. The doctors won't put her on IV for nutrition? I'm so confused and don't know what else I can do. I would deeply appreciate any suggestions, guess I'm just plain scared.
Thanks