My MIL had oral cancer 6 1/2 yrs ago, lost part of the roof of her mouth, all her teeth (has implants now), her sinus, and nearly lost her one good eye... surgerical treatment only (we were not living with her at the time and were not aware the docs didnt suggest she get radiation/chemo!)

3 yrs later, esophageal cancer, new primary, had radiation and chemo. 3 bouts with skin cancer on her face later, she had yet another primary oral cancer near the corner of her mouth last fall and went through radiation. Now it appears she has another oral cancer on the other side of her mouth, this time near her jaw where the implant is (might end up having to go without implants on the bottom as she refuses to go through the torture that getting them initially entailed). She is 85,and really really ready to say she is done. She was supposed to have knee replacement surgery next week, as her knees are shot and she nearly falls even with a walker and assistance whenever she walks anywhere.

My mom suggested talking to the doc about just doing some palliative surgery and then going on hospice, for the pain control and to help her (and us) through whatever is to come. She is tube fed and has been since the esophageal cancer. Just looking at her face yesterday when we were talking with her ENT, I could see what little spirit she has left withering away.

Any thoughts, suggestions, hope? I feel so badly for her...

Heidi