[sew&sew]

Will chemo/radiation give 88 3/4 yrs. Mom more time

by sew&sew on Sun Nov 13, 2011 1:13 pm

Mom almost 89 Dx. 8/23/11 with hypercalcemia 10 months, Anemia for over 11/2 yr. requiring blood transfusions X4 since 8/11. She is an 11 yr. colon cancer survivor. Was misdiagnosed as having hyperparthyroidism (even had surgery 6/11) looking for parathyroid adenoma that did not exist (3 scans done prior saw nothing) but endocrinologist insisted it was there. Mom had had pain control issues for over 2 yrs.which increased after shingles (2yrs ago).even prior to shingles could not lay on left side (back. hip. leg, foot pain) causing neuropathy. & was taking 3,000 mg neurontin/day + percost fentanyl patch & Feb. 2011 had spinal cord stimulator implanted with pain now under control with percoset prn. On Aug 5th Mom passed out & collapsed breaking both ankles requiring surgical fixes which made her totally non weight bearing 8/511 till 9/28/11.While in hosp. Hgb was 7 on admit & had 2 blood transf. within 10 days (i unit + 2 units). Did CAT scan see if loosing blood in Abd. and accidentally caught sight of lrg bone lesion on lt. femur confirmed as lytic per FB bone survey. Had rt ishium, thoracic & lumbar spinal (metastatic lesions) , confirmed by FB bone scan. 3hr BMB performed along with urine & bloodwork (bence Jones protiens +), bone marrow + m proteins IGg Kappa Dx. Multiple Myeloma.Spemt 4 wks in skilled nursing facility could not have chemo & got c diff. infec.treatment. & recurred x4 (hospitalized). Now home starting 5th wk of 6 wks. vancomycin treatment. ( Infection control Dr. following) Albumin got critical 2.1 still very low. Has only been treatment. with Zometa x l while in hospital Oct. 15th 11 ( hypercalcemia / bones) When c diff. infec. flares all labs go crazy (IV potassium 5 days, albumin) RBC stays in 2's, Hgb still dropping. Her oncologist jus says late stage. visiting med.social worker told Mom her condition is terminal & tried talking to her about end of life issues which made her very anxious. I am retired nurse & can understand all sides. My 3 brothers want her to have chemo reguardless of condition. Mom won't commit either way. Should I get opinion of Multiple myeloma specialist or leave alone.

[Sarah]

Re: Will chemo/radiation give 88 3/4 yrs. Mom more time

by Sarah on Sun Nov 13, 2011 6:43 pm

From an outsider's point of view, it sounds as if your mom is pretty serious. Having said this, if it's convenient it might make both of you (and your brothers) feel better if you obtain the advice of a multiple myeloma Specialist.

The information may not change, but you may have some better "direction".

Blessings to all of you.....

[Dr. Peter Voorhees]

Re: Will chemo/radiation give 88 3/4 yrs. Mom more time

by Dr. Peter Voorhees on Tue Nov 15, 2011 5:38 am

Dear Sew and sew,

I am sorry to hear that your Mom has had such a rough go over these last many months, especially the last few. There are many different treatment options for myeloma these days, including therapies with relatively favorable side effect profiles. I have patients in their 90s on treatment and tolerating it well. Given the multiple setbacks your Mom has suffered recently, it is impossible for me to say whether or not any of these therapies are appropriate under the circumstances. However, I think a visit to a specialist will allow you to determine if therapy makes sense for your Mom.

Take care!

Pete V.