• Megen
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  • Registered: Sat, 07 Feb 2009
  • Posts: 1

Topic: Possible?

Hello, my mom was recently diagnosed with cc stave IV with mets to the lungs. She is having trouble breathing, ascites has set in i think (very distended), sweating, high fever and severe restlessness. She is up all hours of the day really. On top of that I feel this real distance from here. I live in another state, so I can only communicate through telephone or email and web chats. She is relatively mobile, but I am worried the end is near...I was reading and marions had mentioned something about her mother withdrawing. Has anyone else experienced the restlessness as a clear sign of the end? She is not jaundiced. The ascites is the main concern. Can it occur in the face, legs as well? It seems all very sudden! Thanks you in advance for your help!

  • JeffG
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  • From: Kansas
  • Registered: Mon, 16 Oct 2006
  • Posts: 1,242

Re: Possible?

Hi Megen,  Fluid retention/ascites can be drained.  I had my lung cavity drained 3 times.  First two times a full liter was removed each time. the third time just a quarter liter and now appears to have stopped.  Yes retention can occur elsewhere stomach, legs, feet.  If swellen is in feet or legs, I would try keeping feet up as much as possible above the level of the heart.  A simple x-ray can tell if her fluid retention is getting worse.  Restlessness can be anxiety.  The doctor can prescribe lasix for fluid retention and some type of anti-anxiety medication for the restlessness.  She is not juandice and some don't get juandice. However what you have discribed, the discomfort can be reduced considerabally . She needs to advocate clearly with her doctor what she needs. If she is having high fever possible infection.  Not knowing the the full story, I would recommend she be checked out as soon as possible.
God Bless Your Mom,
Jeff G.             P.s. Has any one talked to the doctor about hospice program?

Take it to the Limit,One More Time! (Eagles)
  • From: New Bern, North Carolina
  • Registered: Tue, 30 Sep 2008
  • Posts: 682

Re: Possible?

Megan,

I agree with Jeff.  My Mom has lung mets and has had some issues with fluid.  She had some fluid build up around her heart that we had to addresss with a procedure called a pericardial window.  She has also been prescribed Lasix which helped with the fluid in her legs and ankles.  They both seemed to do the trick.

The restlessness can be anxiety or depression.  If she is not sleeping well then a doctor may be able to offer some help with that as well.  I would suggest maybe contacting the medical social worker or mental health staff for their input as well.  There is a great deal of palliative care that can help your mom.

I would also be concerned about the fevers.  She may have an infection somewhere.   Is there someone who could check on her frequently and then get back to you?  That would certainly help you.

Know that you and your Mom and family are in my thoughts and prayers.

Hugs.
Pam

My Mom lost her one year battle with CC on April 3, 2009.

"A prognosis is simply an audit of how truly precious each day is.  Live each day to the maximum, celebrate what was, and what is - Don't spend your life looking forward to what will or might be." .... words of wisdom from my beloved son on hearing of his grandmother's CC prognosis.