We are going through a similar experience with my Mom. She was diagnosed in Sept 03 and since has had radiation and 4 different major surgeries. The doctors have given her 6 months. She did take the PEG - the first one failed after 3 weeks but they were able to place a new one 10 days ago. Good thing because she uses it all the time for nutrition and her meds. Over the last 10 days she has move to the patch for pain meds. Started a 12 mcg/hr and with the most recent one is up to 50 mcg/hr and is taking liquid morphine in the PEG 3-4 times per day for breakthrough pain. We can no longer understand her speech - since my sister and I both live far away, she asked for a fax machine to be able to communicate with us. That is working out well. Technology is keeping me sane. I just don't know what to expect over the months to come. Anyone have any experiences that would like to share? The unknown is so scary. My Mom has been my role model and hero all my life - this is so difficult to go through. Fortunately, I have a job that will allow me to work from anywhere - I suspect that soon, I will be spending more time with my Mom.
