swollen abdomen

I agree!!  My mom had the same problems right before her liver failed.

You are both in my prayers.

Liz

Right now you need to concentrate on her being with you and it sounds like your mom's doctor needs to know what is going on.

ejohn-

I think what your Mom is experiencing is call ascites. They can drain the fluid from her stomach and make her comfortable. Talk to them about doing this procedure and the benefits to her. God is able, stephanie

Michelle - praying for your mom, hope she can rest comfortably. Love -- Lumi.

I am so sry ejohn. I am trying to think of something to say, but all I can say is sorry sorry sorry and I will pray for your mom and your family and if your mom wants to continue treatment and the Dr's will, then do it, it is all about her wishes.  I know it may sound inconsiderate to say, as I know we want quantity of life, but quality of life should also be considered.  Please dont take that as being inconsiderate and incompassionate.

God Bless your Mom and your family

Rhonda

I am so sorry that her previous treatments have not worked.  There comes a time when a doctor feels he/she would do more harm than good by continuing treatment.  Obviously your Mom has reached that point in her Oncologist's mind.  If your Mom wants to try more treatments, perhaps a second opinion is in order.  Or a clinical trial?  If not, maybe you and your Mom could find comfort in knowing that Hospice will help give her quality of whatever time she does have left. 

Again, I am so sad for both of you.  My daughter and I will be facing this in the not too distant future.

hugs,

Carol 

ejohn,

My mother went through this last year. Her stomach was swelling and she had to keep having it drained. The doctor told her the chemo was not working. She decided to finish the last 2 rounds of chemo. She only had 1 more though because the chemo was doing more harm so she said that was it. The draining took it's toll as well. Everytime they drain, it takes out nutrients and leaves the person weak. At that point, hospice came in and was a great help. They made sure she was comfortable and pain free. I know it's hard.  I think though you will feel so much more relieved when hospice comes in. They will help you with everything. Things that you can't think about in the state you and your family are in at this time.

Charlene 

My mother was having the same symptoms recently. Her abdomen area was so swollen it looked like she was 8 months pregnant. Her oncologist was aware of this and told her the liver was enlarged. He ordered a CT scan but everything turned out ok. Then about two weeks ago she was having severe pains. Her oncologist admitted her to the hospital and ran some more test. It came back that her Gall bladder was not working correctly. She had to have her gall bladder removed. As the surgeon removed the gallbladder he did a biospy of the liver. We found out last week the cancer has spread to her liver. She is stage IV w/ bone mets. She was already on Avastin and Xeloda. She started her new round of chemo today which is doxil and avastin. I would strongly suggest that you push the issue with her doctors. You could not tell from my moms blood work anything was wrong. Her liver enzymes were all within normal range. She needs to have a MRI on the abdomen area. Do not take no for an answer. Doctors know more than they let on. They will only tell you what they think you need to know.

Here's recent post from Michelle on Oct 20th on another thread:

Well, my mom is still hanging in here.  I'm getting more concern though, her stomach is so swollen and the liver area is real hard and you can tell it's swollen also.  She's one tough lady though, she went to Walmart with us on Saturday and to church yesterday with us.  She doesn't want to give up and I don't want her to either.  I know it can't be good though all the swelling. Her arms and legs stay swollen also. Her legs go down during the night but as soon as she is up just for a few minutes the swelling comes back.  At least for now she doesn't seem to have too much pain, I'm glad for that, I mean she does have some, but not as bad as she was having a few weeks ago.  she is still taking the Xeloda, but is on a low dose right now.  Only takes 500mg twice a day she didn't have any side effects with that dose.  This is her week off, the doctor said he might increase her dose some.  From the way her liver looks now I don't see that the drug is doing any good, unless this is too early to tell?  I pray it will help shrink the tumors in her liver.  I'll try and keep in touch.  Take Care!    Michelle 

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