What is the prognosis w/ recurrent ovarian cancer and ascites?
Wednesday, July 8, 2009 17:39 | Filled in Cancer
Hosanna asked:
My grandmother, who is 83 years old, was diagnosed with ovarian cancer over two years ago. She has been stage 4 once, back to stage 2, and now back to stage 4. She has extreme abdominal swelling and pain (ascites). She had 6 quarts of fluid taken off her stomach 3 weeks ago, and 8 more quarts taken off two days ago. Her stomach has already begun swelling again. She can not take certain types of chemo because her esosphagus has been damaged. She was supposed to get chemo intraveneously yesterday, but the doctor would not allow it because she did not look well enough. My grandparents are old school and do not question the doctor on anything, so we have no idea how long she may have to live. Does anybody have any experience with a prognosis, life expectancy, quality of life? She is a Christian, she is ready to go to the Lord, but she continues to have procedures (parencentesis) done because her husband is not ready to let her go.
My grandmother, who is 83 years old, was diagnosed with ovarian cancer over two years ago. She has been stage 4 once, back to stage 2, and now back to stage 4. She has extreme abdominal swelling and pain (ascites). She had 6 quarts of fluid taken off her stomach 3 weeks ago, and 8 more quarts taken off two days ago. Her stomach has already begun swelling again. She can not take certain types of chemo because her esosphagus has been damaged. She was supposed to get chemo intraveneously yesterday, but the doctor would not allow it because she did not look well enough. My grandparents are old school and do not question the doctor on anything, so we have no idea how long she may have to live. Does anybody have any experience with a prognosis, life expectancy, quality of life? She is a Christian, she is ready to go to the Lord, but she continues to have procedures (parencentesis) done because her husband is not ready to let her go.
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happydawg says:
July 8th, 2009 at 6:03 pm
A paracentesis will not make your granmother live longer, it will just make her more comfortable. She can breathe easier and sleep better if the fluid is removed. Problems is it comes back as quickly as it is removed and then creates electrolyte imbalances and literally dehydrates her. Sounds ridiculous, but its true. Most doctors leave the huge amount of fluid there and remove it only to make her comfortable.
Her husband is going to need a lot of support from your family since her days are numbered.
Peace and Gods love to your grandma, grandpa and family.
RN