Dialysis

Muffett61

Hi everyone,

Have been reading your stories and you are so strong. My mom (86) was given 3 - 12 months last July 2009. She has had a mastectomy and has mets to her bones and  the doc suspects some in her brain. I wasn't with her at her most recent drs appointment this week, but the doc is suggesting dialysis as her kidneys are starting to fail. She opted for no chemo and has been taking hormones. So far, she has been feeling okay.

Has anyone heard of kidneys failing as a result of Stage IV ?

Any information would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks, m 

Nanalinda

Some medications can be hard on the kidney's; combined with her age that could be the cause.  Is she thinking about undergoing dialysis?  I used to work as a dialysis nurse... it would mean she would have to go to the dialysis center 2-3 times a week for 4-5 hours each day.  At her age, dialysis is very hard on the body.  Of course if she is in renal failure, it would be fatal for her not to undergo dialysis.  You both should discuss her quality of life versus quantity.

Muffett61

Hi Nanalinda,

Thank you very much for the information. Mom has had kidney problems in the past (never needing dialysis).. despite her positive outlook it appears things must be changing .

cancersuks

Muffett,

I'm so sorry for your Mom's diagnosis and what you both are going through! 

Eyedeerman38

My mother has been in dislysis for 4 years now. Her breast cancer came back (masectomy), neuropathy has sunk in and now they found a lung anomaly - which I suspect is metastatic cancer. My mom keeps doing surgeries, etc due to admitted fear of death and her life quality is low.

So I definitely agree with Nanalinda, definitely have that conversation - because dialysis is horrible. Of course, as it is with my mom, her final health decisions are her's and her's alone. But at least she'll know that you won't be disappointed in her if she stops "fighting."

Just a Spiritualist's 2 cents...