F A O Sqad

[nailit]

Further to my Mums terminal bone cancer diagnosis earlier on this year...
She's recently had more tests (scans, x-rays and bloods). Had a phone call today off my sister who was at oncology with her. Cancer has now spread into her spine. Was told that she would begin to lose the use of her arms and legs. My sister asked the oncologist how long she had left to live and was told a few months at most.

1) If told by a professional ''a few months'' does that actually translate into a few weeks?
Ive had a few family members and acquaintances die with various cancers who have been told ''a few months'' when in reality it has been a few weeks (or even days). I appreciate that timing cant be exact.

2) My mum dreads the thought of going into a hospice (or hospital even) and...like my dad...wishes to end her life at home. If (when) her limbs give out, what care package (if any) could be put into place to ensure her dying wish?

If its anything to do with McMillan, forget it! They have been less than useless in THIS case.
More concerned initially whether she had been the toilet that day and then dismissed her.
Thanks.

[retrocop]

I don't know if they still use 'Mist Brompton' towards the end but that was pretty accurate. I know of two instances when relatives were called from home to the bedside to say their farewells.Peace and no more suffering followed very quickly after.

[retrocop]

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
also referred to as the 'Brompton Cocktail'

[emmie]

what is that retro...

[retrocop]

Emmie
It is a very strong sedative containing morphine and ethyl alcohol.It is/was used to ease pain in terminal cases.As the doseage had to be increased it actually killed the patient in a very peaceful way. Basically an OD of morphine and alcohol. Not sure if they are allowed to administer it these days or if it has been replaced with some other opiate.

[retrocop]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brompton_cocktail

[pixie374]

Morphine is still used, retro. Don't know about alcohol particularly x

[retrocop]

Pixie
I have just read the link and I note that Brompton Cocktail is now considered obsolete as there are replacements.

[emmie]

the relief doctor, not sure whether he was a locum administered something to the o/h to alleviate pain and basically made him pass away, i was devastated as i didn;t get to say goodbye.

[nailit]

Sorry I couldn't keep up with all replies last night but appreciated them all non the less, thank you.

As regards Retro's 'Mist Brompton', I know that my Grandmother was finished this way nearly 50 yrs ago (again with cancer). Seems a humane thing to do. Why we stretch out life only to preserve suffering is beyond me???
I saw my father die a death that only a sadist would get satisfaction from because of 'humane laws'

Hope my mum dies a more peaceful death.
Thanks again for all replies.

[237SJ]

Nailit - I have always said that where cancer is concerned to expect the unexpected. My Mum had breast cancer in her spine and was warned that she might lose the use of her legs and other functions. It never happened (although it did with her sister but only right at the very end)

[emmie]

take care

[nailit]

//I have always said that where cancer is concerned to expect the unexpected//
Agree with that 100% 237!
Mum was admitted to an oncology ward at the beginning of this year and told that she had terminal cancer and yet she is still with us.
Been to see her tonight and she is watching a xmas film with the deckies up as though nothing is wrong. (a lot to be said for the stamina of the older generation)!!
She knows that she is dying and yet goes on living knowing that this is her last Xmas.
I take my hat off to my mums generation....
Anyone above 80, I salute you. I really do, I learn a lot about life from you.

[237SJ]

Is your Mum at the stage where she is having blood transfusions yet?

[nailit]

//Is your Mum at the stage where she is having blood transfusions yet?//
No 237 shes not.
Wasn't aware that blood transfusion were warrented in her case?

Shes actually well presented in her case. She functions pretty well for an 86 yr old woman. A woman with terminal cancer at that.

[237SJ]

They give blood transfusions because the breast cancer in the bones displaces the bone marrow which is where the red blood cells are made. I presume your Mum has blood tests and the medical people will be on top of the situation.

[nailit]

Thanks 237
Will have to leave it to the medics, havnt a clue myself,
Only know that she hasn't had any blood transfusions but plenty of blood tests.
Appreciate ur concern, thank you.

[Tilly2]

Make this Christmas the best it possibly can be, Nails. Your Mum will appreciate that.

[237SJ]

There will always be plenty of blood tests as they have to do them before giving bone strengthening dugs (Zometa, Denosumab etc)

[237SJ]

*drugs* Bloody typos :)