75 year old mother doing much better

[kimhenson]

Thank you for relieving my mind, Kate, Lolly and Barbara. I was very worried. The last thing I'd ever want to do is upset anyone here. I talked to my mom today and she has decided, after talking to my new sister-in-law (a hospice nurse, as a matter of fact), to get in-home nursing to help her stay hydrated while she is on T/X. She resumed Tykerb on Monday after a four day break and on Tuesday evening, had her first attack of diarrhea. She sounded weak again on the phone.

My sister-in-law says they can insert a PICC (long-term catheter) into her vein so that the fluid infusions will be easier on her. It's getting harder and harder to find a vein. I think my mom will really benefit from competent care vs. the well-intentioned bumbling of my father and I. We love her, but we don't know what we're doing. I am really proud of her for being able to put aside her fear of the word "hospice" and decide to accept the care these wonderful nurses can give her. My sister-in-law is an amazing woman (she lives in Utah and we are in SoCal). If the other hospice nurses are like her, my mother will be in wonderful hands.

One thing my SIL said about hospice--many of her patients end up doing so well with the TLC she gives them that they are able to go off hospice. She said that nearly ALL of her patients improve with the additional care and live much longer.

This is so hard. Thank you for your kindness.

Kim

[tousled1]

Kim,

I'm so glad that your mother agreed to in-home nursing care. Having a PIC line inserted, I feel, would be a good thing as it does away with the strain of finding a good vein when they need it. They are usually inserted using only a local anethesia so your mom should be fine. Hydration is so important with any type of chemo and when you're fatigued and just feeling like crap it's very difficult to intake enough fluid. I will keep your mom in my prayers.