Dear Ina
I was interested to read about your mother in law, Joyce. It sounds as if she has been through the mill and it must be heartbreaking to see. My mother is 72 years old , diagnosed with stage 4 mouth cancer and very frail. She is currently having chemo and about to embark on a six week radiation course. I am very worried that the radiation will be too much for her and she might be better off not having it and enjoying the remaining time she has with a better quality of life.
Given your mother's age, and what you know now, would you take the same route again? I know everyone reacts differently but my mother is extremely frail and spends most of her time in bed now. She is not interested in knowing what the radiation entails and has early dementia so it is very hard to have a discussion with her
Sorry , I know this is an extremely difficult question but I am so unsure as to how to help her .Your thoughts would be welcome and anyone else who has been through a similar situation. Thank you

NOTE....The above post has been moved to its own thread. The new members does not know the long history of Ina and the unusual circumstances involved.


Carol, Im so sorry you are facing such difficult decisions for your mother. It must be very hard on everyone involved. The person in the post you had replied to has had a very long battle with many difficulties and its not a regular situation as the patient is not in the US but the member posting on the forum is.

Every situation is different. Ive seen some in their 90s who could run a marathon while some in the 50s are not candidates for OC treatments. You and your family need to get together with the doctor and decide what route to pursue for your mother. We will be here to support whatever course you take.

Best wishes.