My mom took treatment No. 2 of Carboplatin/Docetaxel and its taking a toll on her. The Mucus is so thick that she cant swallow anything. Looks like I'm going to bring her to get IV fluids again. That seems to pick her up after she takes a treatment. I thought she was going to do well with this treatment. I guess it gets worse each time. So this means she's back to no eating or drinking again which is not good.

My mom has a open wound on her neck that just will not heel. It seems to be getting bigger. I have a wound care nurse coming to the house to pack it. Doctor says the only thing we can hope for is that the cancer responds to treatment then hopefully her skin will heal. Its very painful. Doctor said it's caused from a ulcerating tumor. It really looks terrible. Has anyone had anything like this before ?

I wish my mom would get better. I hate seeing her like this.

Another sleepless night
Heidi

Heidi, I'm sorry your mom is having a hard time with the chemo. Unfortunately, the effects of chemo are cumulative and she may feel even worse with the upcoming sessions. Do talk to your doctors about what you can do to alleviate the effects of some of the side effects so that you know ahead of time what to expect and how you can help her. My thoughts are with you and your mom.

Thanks so much

I have a home health nurse coming to the house and she said she does wound care to, but I think I am going to look for a better qualified nurse to handle this. She doesn't impress me at all .
would anybody know if there is a certain type of nurse I should request . Someone who is experienced with this type of wound.
Its not like a Diabetic wound that will eventually heel. This is cause from the cancer in the tissue of my moms cheek and neck. I don't think it will heel anytime soon. There is some leakage from the wound also.

I am so upset for my mother. She ask me "What did I do to deserve this" . I just don't know what to say sometime.

Thanks
Heidi

When John had a problem with the insertion site of his PEG, he was referred to a stomatologist, who turned out to be a nurse who specialized in managing wounds. Maybe that is what you are looking for?
We only saw her once at the hospital. She gave us some advice and it worked and that was it.

I'm sad to hear that your mother is struggling again, Heidi. It seems very unfair that anyone should have to go through such painful and uncomfortable processes. I keep harping on this in all my posts: counselling, psychological help. Is there anyone giving you and you mother that sort of assistance?

You are both in my thoughts.
Love
Maureen

Thanks Maureen

My moms been admitted into to hospital today . After this treatment the mucus became so thick that she could not swallow anything . She needs some IV fluids to help her feel better . A stoma wound care nurse is being called in to help with the open wound on her neck . It's getting bigger by the day. The leakage from it is like a faucet dripping . It's just aweful and very painful . I have never in my life seen anything like this before .

I'm glad she was admitted . It will give me a little break for a few days .

Thanks gmcraft for the advice on the stoma nurse. I mentioned it to the doctor and a stomatologist is being called in .

Im so very sorry to hear about your mothers issues. I may not always comment on your posts but I do read every single one. Being in the hospital is a good place for her if she is so sick. Hopefully she will turn around soon and feel a little better. The IV will help perk her up.

Hang in there!

Thanks Christine

Yes the IV fluids seem to help a lot . Even though she has the feeding tube it still brings her down when she stops eating and drinking. She wasn't eating or drinking much . just a few sips and a couple of spoons at a time , but when that stops she seems to go down hill.
Hopefully the IV fluids will pick her up and the special wound care nurse can get this open wound under control also.

Thanks for your help
Heidi

Sweetpe, unfortunately by not eating or drinking, nothing much can be done other than some IV fluids to keep her alive. She is going down because the body cannot continue fighting the cancer and chemo. At some point, the doctors will run out of options.

Have you considered having a professional sit down with your mother and have her state what her wishes are in this battle? When a person refuses to eat and drink, knowing it is prolonging the agony and causing not only imminent death, but unconscionable and gruesome suffering, it's important to understand her motives. Without a strong will to live and a desire to go all in at this stage, all the medical care in the world cannot change the outcome. Is it her desire to suffer like this?

This may sound cruel but it is reality at this point. Your mother's desires outweigh everyone, as painful as it may be for loved ones. We all deserve respect and dignity and to have our wishes honored. Please consider taking the steps to get your mother more involved in extending her life or accepting her decision. Even a healthy person can't continue living without food and water. The "rejuvenation" we see from IV fluids is often because the brain is dehydrated and the replenishment only lasts as long as it takes the body to need more.

I am truly sorry things have been so difficult.

Sweet... sorry your mom is suffering. Cancer is brutal in that it can steal everything.

Your mom's wound likely isn't healing for a few reasons -firstly and foremost - the cancer is still there and likely in situ - the dr. is right. hopefully chemo will begin to shrink the tumor, and this will allow the hole to heal but it will be a long slow process. Also from a health stand point your mom is very fragile. Nutrition is the building blocks of healing - protein/iron - help her gain strength, but persistent cancer steals her nutrition to continue it's growth cycle. (this is why many cancer patients are so very thin at the end of their life)
Also because her nutrition (strength) is being stolen - it is hard for her body to muster the strength to heal. It's so busy fighting the cancer and keeping all of her basic functions going.

I'm just trying to explain the process to you. This is all ultimately why her wound is not healing. The best they can do is pack it keep it clean and make sure it doesn't become infected, and hope the chemo will help.

Hugs and blessings to you and your mom.