Hi,
I am New to this site and welcome any advice or insights you could share.
My mum has been discharged from hospital following unsuccessful treatment of throat cancer. She had aggressive tumour removed from cArotid area of neck a few months ago. She is 71 and family didn't want her to go through with operTion due to her physical frailty, however medics felt it was only option.
There were many complications of surgery with heart weakness and she didn't recover for some time - she required CPR and doctors prepared for her to not survive.
Over few months mum recovered but was still very weak and was sleeping for around 20-22 hours a day. She was sent home with peg feed and our family have been cAring for her. It would appear she had a stroke during operations and she is left with confusion and memory loss as well as reduced hearing and being unable to talk she is quite isolated.
Her mood was fairly low prior to operations and this has not helped with recovery.
Doctors recommended radiotherapy - However after only one session they have realised cancer tumour has aggressively returned and they sent her home.
They have told us that she has only weeks or months to live but she is at high risk of carotid rupture.
My sister's and I are providing 24 hour care however there has been no provision of support or advice provided.
Mum is still quite confused and sleeps for majority of the day....she is fairly settled and seems at peace with prognosis. We are keeping a close eye on pain relief and she has had morphine increAsed as well as codeine, paracetamol and ibuprofen 4 times a day.
I'm concerned that she experiences a carotid blowout while we on our own and we are unprepared for this .
Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.
Jackie x

Dear Jackie,

Sorry that you have need for this forum. Carotid blowout has happened to a few people on this forum. The latest I can remember is this one
http://oralcancersupport.org/forums...rotid+blowout&Search=true#Post189369
Maybe you would like to read thread.

Thank you - I have read the post and have shared the information with my family. Hopefully this will help prepare us for what ever may happen.
Thanks again
Jackie

Jackie, Im sorry I missed your post! Your mother has been thru so much. You and the rest of the family have as well. Im sure everyone must be absolutely exhausted.

If there is no further treatment being done, and the doctors have said her days are limited has hospice been called? They can help with many things. Ive heard rave reviews at the support and guidance they provide. I also have heard frequently families wait too long to call and should call them well in advance.

The carotid rupture you asked about usually happens inpatients who have received a full round (or even more rounds) of radiation. I cant remember anyone without radiation that Ive heard of this happening to. Since your mother only had 1 dose of rads, its unlikely this small amount will play a part in causing a carotid rupture.

This may sound ridiculous to you so please forgive me if it is. Have you obtained a second opinion from a different treatment center, preferably a Comprehensive Cancer Center (CCC)?

Best wishes with everything!

I'm sorry your Family is going through this. This disease is so hard on patients and Families. I do agree with Christine's advice re Hospice. Phone them today and get all the help and advice you can.
Your post mentions an aggressive tumour that wrapped around the carotid. Unfortunately as this tumour continues to grow , it can and probably will, erode through the artery wall. This will cause a catastrophic haemorrhage. All that you can do should this occur is to have plenty of dark towels available to catch the blood. The most important thing you can do for your Mum should this occur is to just be there. To hold her, tell her you love her, stay calm and try not to panic. When this happens, it is quick and death is rapid.
My heart goes out to you Jackie.
Tammy