As others have said before me...this is my first post, so forgive the rambling.
My Mom has had Non-small cell lung cancer for over 7 years. She has had Leukemia for 10 years, but was never symptomatic will either disease for several years.
Her lung cancer was originally discovered as small shadows on a chest x-ray in 2001. Nothing was done for several years - the cancer, (I mean shadows), never advanced. Yeah, I know - great doctors! Finally, during another chest x-ray it was discovered the cancer (oh, did I mention it was cancer) had indeed spread across both lungs.
She's been through 3 rounds of chemo, radiation to her lungs and shoulder (metasized to her bones last year) Tarceva, Iressa, and nothing has stopped the incredibly slow progression of this cancer. It's been a miracle that it's moved so slowly. For so many years, she went without any treatment at all. Living a very independent life as a painter.
She started up again with radiation for her bone cancer, which she tolerated pretty well. In April, she had a bone strengthening drug that just about killed her. So, I moved her into our home with my husband and 5-year old where we could care for her.
My mom had a g-tube in June and has steadily gained her weight back. Nothing but water and a couple pills since then. We had hoped she would feel better with the weight gain. But, steadily, she declines. Just very, very slowly.
She stays in bed sleeping and watching tv 95% of the time. In the last month, she develop fluid under her lung, which I understand is a common symptom of lung cancer. The doctor has given her liquid Vicadin for her pain and cough, which seems to help but only for a few hours. Her cough is so deep that it can cause her to vomit. I've propped her up on 2-3 pillows, but any other suggestions are greatly appreciated.
The doctor doesn't want to move her to hospice since Medicare won't pay for a chest tube to remove the excess fluid. I'm at a loss here because I don't know what I'm doing. I feel as though it's not enough. Does anyone have any suggestions as to when is the best time to call in Hospice? I need some support in caring for her in the best way possible.
Thanks for allowing me to ramble. As you all know, it's difficult to find support for everything you go through as a caregiver of someone you love so much.