Wellness

[Evie2004]

Hello..I have the utmost respect for much of the medical advice I read on this forum;I know there are many medical professionals here, my problem is that a dear friend (lives 3 hrs away) was diagnosed with stage 4 renal cancer with mets to lung & bone 4 months ago..she had the kidney removed then..at that time she was told she would have a 6 month life expectancy..she currently takes an oral chemo pill & is experiencing an expected weight loss (about 30+ lbs since her diagnosis) & bone pain...we are both retired nurses, so know what the ultimate outcome of this will be...she is becoming reluctant to take her PRN pain meds..she takes her every 12 hour one, but "feels creepy" taking the "other" one..even though she says she will when she really needs it..we have had the pain med discussion a couple of times.. I only see her every 2-3 weeks, and feel that she is declining more than she lets on to family & close friends...sooo my main concern is if anyone has had PERSONAL, FIRST-HAND experience with this particular cancer, would you let me know what to start watching for as this cancer progresses...I do plan on starting to make more frequent visits soon...the weight loss is bothering her a lot...she refuses any oral supplements, just tries to eat a few bites of something every hour or so... Her Dr plans to do another CT scan at the end of this month...thanks in advance for any help... Vickie

[Rachelle]

I too am an RN, in Hospice.

I think your friend is doing what many do.

They decide what their outcome shall be and its only right that they have the voice and will to do so.

It is hard for us to watch, I know.

I watched my dad go through this, my hands were tied as to what his wishes were.

I wish you & your friend, many blessings and courage .

[marky]

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your friend. My sister has a friend that was just diagnosed with this type cancer. We certainly need to cherish each day and live it to the fullest. I hate to hear people complaining about little things when others are going through such pain and sorrow.

[Evie2004]

Am thinking my post was too involved for this forum..thank you Rachelle & marky for you encouragement & thoughts...

[mistriTsquirrel]

I'm unsure about what you mean regarding "what to start watching for?"

Are you asking for clues that will signal when she is near death?

Also, is she under hospice care yet?

As a general answer...my parents and I were told that my father will likely die of multiple organ failure as the cancer overwhelms his body...so if you see signs that her organs are failing, that could very well be an indicator that she is close to the end of the road.