Does palliative chemo mean that doctors are trying to ease pain/symtoms but not treat cancer/ shrink tumor?

Grateful for advice.  thanks,

http://www.oncologypractice.com/special … &ocid=

God bless.

"Despite a growing consensus about the benefits of routine palliative care in oncology, results from QOPI demonstrate the need for improved symptom management, greater attention to psychosocial issues, discussions about goals of care, and appropriate referral to hospice - all core skills of palliative care."

Quoted:  ASCO in Action

An article from an Oncologist from his standpoint on patients moving from his care to hospice. Well worth a read IMO but is sensitive and contains no stats. He does talk about end of life care amongst other things.

Doctor, Where Art Thou?

Daniel M. Geynisman

http://jco.ascopubs.org/content/early/2 … 9.full.pdf

My mom has had primary biliary schlorosis for 8 years or so, and in the beginning of February was diagnosed with cholangiocarcinoma.
It has been a little bit of a roller coaster. When they found the lump, we were told transplants weren't an option for cancer patients (she would need on in the near future or her PBS - as along with the news of cancer, she was told her primary biliary schlorosis had worsened to the point they wanted her to go and speak with the transplant board so when the time came she would be ready).
When she went for her initial appointment after it had been confirmed cancer, they told us there was a specialist who would be willing to do the transplant, and that this was her best option, so we werent even going to consider chemo or radiation.
After seeing the specialist, we were told that the transplant couldn't happen while she had cancer. They said they were most likely going to do a radical type of chemo(injected right into her liver) that would destroy the cancer, along with her liver. So then she would need a transplant.
All of this has left us confused and frustrated. What I really want to know is how chemo has effected everyone, and of course, I want to know that my mom is going to be okay.
I know no one can really give me that answer.

http://www.cancernetwork.com/blog/conte … 65/2120849

God bless.

http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/777 … mp;spon=34

God bless.

http://www.oncologystat.com/news/Earlie … ts_US.html

God bless.

10 Signs Death Is Near
1. Loss of appetite. May refuse meals. Near the very end, one may be unable to swallow. Don't force-feed; follow the person's cues. Offer ice chips, a popsicle, or sips of water.
2. Excessive fatigue and sleep. May sleep most of the day and night, and become difficult to wake up. Permit sleep. Avoid jostling the person awake. Assume everything you say can be heard, the sense of hearing is thought to persist, even when unconscious.
3. Increased physical weakness. A decline in food intake and leads to less energy.
4. Mental confusion or disorientation. Organs begin to fail, including the brain. The person may not be aware where he/or she is or who else is there, may speak less often, may respond to people who can't be seen, may be confused about time, or pick at bed linens. Remain calm and reassuring. Speak softly, and identify yourself.
5. Labored breathing. Breathing becomes irregular. A loud, deep breath is followed by a pause of not breathing, five seconds to a minute, before a loud, deep breath resumes and again slowly peters out. Sometimes excessive secretions create loud, gurgling breaths that some people call a "death rattle." This breathing or loud rattle can be alarming, but the patient is unaware. If there's a lot of phlegm, allow it to drain from the mouth. Oxygen can give comfort. Be calm, stroke the arm, speak softly.
6. Social withdrawal. As the body shuts down, they may gradually lose interest in those nearby. He/she may stop talking or mumble, stop responding to questions, or turn away. Before receding socially for the last time, the patient sometimes surprises loved ones with an unexpected burst of alertness. This can last less than an hour or up to a full day. Maintain a physical presence by touching the patient and continue to talk, without demanding anything back. Treasure an alert interlude if it occurs, as it's always fleeting.
7. Changes in urination. Little going in means little coming out. Dropping blood pressure, part of the dying process, also contributes to the kidneys shutting down. Loss of bladder and bowel control may happen late in the process.
8. Swelling in the feet and ankles. As the kidneys are less able to process bodily fluids  sometimes the extremities take on a swollen appearance.
9. Coolness of the fingers and toes. In the hours/minutes before death, blood circulation draws back from the periphery of the body. As this happens, the hands, feet, fingers, toes become cooler. Nail beds may look more pale. A warm blanket can keep the person comfortable, or they may be oblivious. The person may complain about the weight of coverings on the legs, so keep them loose.
10. Mottled veins. Skin that had been pale develops a distinctive pattern of mottling. This is from reduced blood circulation. It may be seen first on the soles of the feet.

The answer to this problem can and should be addressed by our patient community.  The wisdom lays in the experience not only with each and everyone commenting on this board, but also with those individuals hesitating from officially joining in as members of the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation.  Therefore, please help us establish guidelines for a Palliative Care Directory for Cholangiocarcinoma patients and an End of Life Directory.
For non-members: please join or forward your personal information, tips, hints, complaints, etc. to:

Marion.schwartz@cholangiocarcinoma.org

From the bottom of my heart,

Thank you

Marion

Living Will
Sets in place specifies which medical treatments you want or don’t want when no longer able to make decisions

Advance Directive
A document that describes your wishes

Please note that this is US only - we are looking to increase this world wide
http://www.getpalliativecare.org/providers/