Looking for Guidance~

jazzy1
jazzy1 Member Posts: 1,379
in Lung Cancer #1
A really good friend of mine who's 66 yrs was a big smoker from age of 15 yrs until probably last year. Over the past 7 years has had 5-way bypass surgery (still smoked), a few breathing stints where placed in hospital and last year put on mobile oxygen. Finally quit smoking as this last scare got to her.

Presently living with son in Alabama and holding her own until last week. Son called to inform me mom was having heart issues(racing), splitting headache and very hot. Rushed to hospital and instantly put her on ventilator and admitted to ICU. She was in ICU for 7 days and just taken off ventilator.

Today (8 days since first admitted) in hospital with what her son is calling SHOT LUNGS. She can breathe on her own barely, but in need of some breathing device to support. CO2 levels have been high since entry in hospital and docs are concerned. Also, she's not a candidate for lung transplant.

Question, how can one function without use of lungs? What can docs offer....life on oxygen 24/7....do they put a patient on this for remaining years? Curious...what happens at this juncture in a situation like this?

We want to know more....

Thanks for any support and/or guidance...this is the pitts~~
Jan

Comments

  • jazzy1
    jazzy1 Member Posts: 1,379
    #2
    Not Cancer Patient~
    BTW this person IS NOT A CANCER PATIENT, just looking for advice from anyone who can guide.

    Thanks!
    Jan
  • Dapsterd
    Dapsterd Member Posts: 291
    #3
    not much left
    I am certainy not a doctor, but my opinion from hanging around this site and still having active lung cancer, is there is not much more that they can do.

    Mobile O2 is not enough now it sounds like and as far as I know there is no surgery or medicine that will change these conditions. You will need to talk bluntly to Docs and Palliative Care on quality of life issues and then make some very hard Life decisions.

    Sincere wishes to you and your familiy
    Dave
  • jazzy1
    jazzy1 Member Posts: 1,379
    #4
    Dapsterd said:

    not much left
    I am certainy not a doctor, but my opinion from hanging around this site and still having active lung cancer, is there is not much more that they can do.

    Mobile O2 is not enough now it sounds like and as far as I know there is no surgery or medicine that will change these conditions. You will need to talk bluntly to Docs and Palliative Care on quality of life issues and then make some very hard Life decisions.

    Sincere wishes to you and your familiy
    Dave

    Dave,
    Thanks for your response. This is what I'm looking for as just didn't know what could possibly be the next step. Her son and I have been communicating and the docs tell him she could go either way, but doesn't look good at this point. They're talking about moving her to possibly rehab facility, but just having her sit up in bed causes her blood pressure to sky rocket to 200/?...not good. Then they drew blood and noticed something not good...thinking getting a new bug, so instantly put her on ANOTHER antibiotic.

    Yes palliative care could be the next step, but at this point docs are just watching. Can't imagine she'd ever make it back to her home what with sneezy little kids around, she'd be right back to ER.

    We all do what is best, but gosh as a friend it's so frustrating as out of anyone's hands but our higher power.

    Best to you during your journey with this disease. It's the pitts!!!

    Jan
  • Dapsterd
    Dapsterd Member Posts: 291
    #5
    jazzy1 said:

    Dave,
    Thanks for your response. This is what I'm looking for as just didn't know what could possibly be the next step. Her son and I have been communicating and the docs tell him she could go either way, but doesn't look good at this point. They're talking about moving her to possibly rehab facility, but just having her sit up in bed causes her blood pressure to sky rocket to 200/?...not good. Then they drew blood and noticed something not good...thinking getting a new bug, so instantly put her on ANOTHER antibiotic.

    Yes palliative care could be the next step, but at this point docs are just watching. Can't imagine she'd ever make it back to her home what with sneezy little kids around, she'd be right back to ER.

    We all do what is best, but gosh as a friend it's so frustrating as out of anyone's hands but our higher power.

    Best to you during your journey with this disease. It's the pitts!!!

    Jan

    Latest
    Hello Jan....what is the latest with your friend? I hope things are ok.

    Dave

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