Liver Encephalopathy/Hepatic Encephalopathy

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AndysMom
AndysMom Member Posts: 12
edited March 2016 in Stage IV/Metastatic Breast Cancer ONLY

Hi Everyone,

Does anyone have any experience with liver encephalopathy as a result of Stage 4 breast cancer that's spread to the liver? My mom has gone dramatically downhill quickly within the past 4 weeks. She is currently bedridden and growing increasingly more confused and weak. Her urine is dark brown. She is in hospice care, which has been great, but they also won't do further blood draws or anything to find out how serious the issue is. I see her going downhill every day, e.g., she gets my name right about half of the time, refers to her brother who lives with her as "Dad," confuses and loses words consistently.

Just wondering if anyone has any experience or words of wisdom. I am doing my best to make her comfortable and help her find her words, but I can tell it frustrates her. Any thoughts are appreciated!

Thanks.

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  • Longtermsurvivor
    Longtermsurvivor Member Posts: 1,438
    edited March 2016

    Oh my dear, it sounds from your description that your mother is in liver failure now and that there's likely very little to do to improve her quality of life.

    I did find some resources on liver encephalopathy that suggest that lactulose can help with it. I don't know if hospice will use it for comfort.

    Here's a general description of what happens with liver failure due to cancer.

    http://www.cancer.ca/en/cancer-information/cancer-...

    This is a sad and scary time and I'm glad you're reaching out to us. Your mom's hospice care team should be able to help you with the stress too!

    Please don't hesitate to ask them what can be done for your mom's troublesome symptoms!

    They're there to help and probably have many tricks in the bag, not just medications, but even gentle ones like bed baths if her skin begins to itch.

    Please don't press food on her, as her liver might not be able to handle it now. Offer and let her choose what, if anything, seems good. And a few bites may do.

    This video helped me a lot when my mom was dying and is now helpful to me as liver mets affect my ability to eat:

    Food the four letter word in End of Life Care

    Sending a very big virtual hug, Stephanie

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  • AndysMom
    AndysMom Member Posts: 12
    edited March 2016

    Stephanie -

    First, I feel like I am talking to a celebrity! So many of your notes in multiple threads have been incredibly helpful and reassuring and this one was no different. I especially appreciated the "Food the four letter word in end of life care" video.

    Sending a giant but gentle virtual hug back your way!

    Jen

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  • Longtermsurvivor
    Longtermsurvivor Member Posts: 1,438
    edited March 2016

    Hi AndysMom,

    Remembering you this morning and sending big hugs for your mom and all of you who are so lovingly supporting her.

    It's a big challenge, but also a great honor to accompany our loved ones in their time of need.

    (((AndysMom))), Stephanie

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