Administrator, Director of Patient Support Services Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 10,507 Likes: 7 | Im sorry that you found out such terrible news with all the details. Its very sad, Im sure you are very upset.
I agree with everything David wrote. Get her affairs in order right away. She may not have that long if she was stage IV a few months ago. You mentioned about her facial disfigurment which means the cancer is growing. Oral cancer can move very quickly.
You tried. If she refused to go for another opinion then there isnt anything you can do. It really is a shame that she kept her health so secretive. Radiation isnt a walk in the park, its downright hard but it can also save a life. Anyone who went thru it knows how terrible it is but we all chose to try so we could still be around. Since Ive joined OCF, Ive seen so many good people fight and give it everything they had and cancer still gets the best of them. Its so sad when a person comes along that wont try. If a patient refuses treatment then you cant force it on them.
Im glad you found OCF so we could give you some guidance. Im so sorry that we couldnt help you more. I wish you all the best with what is upcoming. ChristineSCC 6/15/07 L chk & by L molar both Stag I, age44 2x cispltn-35 IMRT end 9/27/07 -65 lbs in 2 mo, no caregvr Clear PET 1/08 4/4/08 recur L chk Stag I surg 4/16/08 clr marg 215 HBO dives 3/09 teeth out, trismus 7/2/09 recur, Stg IV 8/24/09 trach, ND, mandiblctmy 3wks medicly inducd coma 2 mo xtended hospital stay, ICU & burn unit PICC line IV antibx 8 mo 10/4/10, 2/14/11 reconst surg OC 3x in 3 years very happy to be alive |