My mom, 67, has recently been diagnosed with stage 4 cancer (secondary liver, small bowel, throat). Two different types: adenocarcinoma in liver/bowel and squamos cell carcinoma in the throat. The tests began in January after months of abnormal blood work, fatigue, and stomach pain.
Last week, her oncologist said she has less than 6 months to live. She does not believe that chemo will help my mom any as far as comfort or life expectancy. She is living at home with my brother and we are all chipping in pulling shifts. Hospice in involved as of last week.
Her color still looks ok. She is swollen in the belly, but not terrible. She is still having bowel movement, sometimes even diarrhea, but loses control often. She sleeps normally now - taking naps - but awake often.She is very weak - needs walker/wheelchair, stairs are impossible, and she needs assistance bathing etc. From one day to the next we don't know what to expect.
Her pain varies - mostly in the belly and shoulder - somedays not much at all. She eats on some days and on others relies on Boost, Ensure, and Carnation. She is on the Fentanyl patch with some percaset (?) to supplement. Hospice is switching her to morphine pills by the weekend.
I understand that she is in a bad situation. It is comforting and educational to read other similar stories. I am just wondering what to expect as far as red flags that the end is near and how soon. How long do I have with my mother? What will we be experiencing in the coming months? All of the help and advice is greatly appreciated. Thank you.