Ascites and Edema

My Mom who was diagnosed August 2014 with Stage IV has developed ascites and edema in her legs. She has not had a chemo treatment since August due to malasorption. She lost so much weight they had to give her a break. She remains hopeful that she will be able to resume her treatments. Has anyone else experienced ascites? She does not allow me to go into the office when she speaks with her oncologist , who has been a godsend, but after doing my own internet HW this doesnt look good. She keeps telling me not to worry.

Dear Chrissy,

I'm so sorry to hear about your Mom's diagnosis. My Mom also had ascites (with Pancreatic cancer), and had to have it drained several times. 

From my experience, and my own research when my Mom was ill, unfortunately, I think you are correct in being worried about your Mom's condition.  Obviously your Mom doesn't want to worry you. If she won't let you come into the office when she speaks to her oncologist, maybe you could have a private word with him to get an update. In my case, it was the opposite.  I wanted to know everything, and my Mom didn't. 

Do you have other family members or nurses to consult with? Is your mother mobile? 

Feel free to talk to me.

Punky

Thank you Punky. My Mom is still mobile. She goes out alone on short trips.She says she knows her limit.She tries to stay active. She's superwoman in disguise. I will try and consult with her Dr on our next visit. In your experience, with the onset of ascites, what was your Mom's prognosis thereafter? My Mom told me the Dr said she may have to have the fluid drained. She also was prescribed diuretics. I have read that once this develops, patients often experience a steady decline. Did that happen with your Mom .

Thanks again for your time and help.

Dear Chrissy,

That's great that she is still mobile. That is really important. I also believe that it is important to try to keep her weight up as much as possible. Ha!  My Mom was also a superwoman in disguise. Unfortunately, from what I have read and what I experienced with my Mom, ascites is difficult to reverse/cure and is a sign of advanced disease. My Mom had fluid drained several times (once or twice from her lungs and several times from her abdomen), and yes it was several months (I don't rememer exactly how long) before she passed away. From what I remember the doctors telling me, the more you drain ascites, the more/faster it comes back - so we drained her as infrequently as possible, and only went for a draining, when the amount of liquid became too great and caused discomfort. In a quick Google search, I found: 

Median survival after diagnosis of malignant ascites is in the range of 1 to 4 months. 

But if Googling stuff gets you down, then don't, and I'm sorry. And this is only one article. 

Try to catch the doctor in private, or call him on the phone. If you ask your Mom everything that the doctor said, would she tell you?  I know that I wanted to know EVERYTHING. 

Prayers for your Mom. Take one day at a time, don't lose hope, but cherish every day, just like everyone should. 

Punky

Dear Chrissy,

That's great that she is still mobile. That is really important. I also believe that it is important to try to keep her weight up as much as possible. Ha!  My Mom was also a superwoman in disguise. Unfortunately, from what I have read and what I experienced with my Mom, ascites is difficult to reverse/cure and is a sign of advanced disease. My Mom had fluid drained several times (once or twice from her lungs and several times from her abdomen), and yes it was several months (I don't rememer exactly how long) before she passed away. From what I remember the doctors telling me, the more you drain ascites, the more/faster it comes back - so we drained her as infrequently as possible, and only went for a draining, when the amount of liquid became too great and caused discomfort. In a quick Google search, I found: 

Management of ascites due to gastrointestinal malignancy

Median survival after diagnosis of malignant ascites is in the range of 1 to 4 months. 

But if Googling stuff gets you down, then don't, and I'm sorry. And this is only one article. 

Try to catch the doctor in private, or call him on the phone. If you ask your Mom everything that the doctor said, would she tell you?  I know that I wanted to know EVERYTHING. 

Prayers for your Mom. Take one day at a time, don't lose hope, but cherish every day, just like everyone should. 

Punky

THANK You!! I so appreciate your words Punky.I google all the time  but never actually read about a true experience. Thanks again. Enjoy the holiday season and peace be with you.

Chrissy.