My LO has been diagnosed with significant dementia and is in a AFL.
I'm waiting the exact cause from the Neurologist, but her MRI seems to indicate both vascular dementia and Alheimers. She has lost weight, lost most of her appetite, and is seems weaker since she fell and fractured her spine, then weeks later fell and fractured her hand. The orthopaedic doctor says these fractures are painful, but they will heal. She also has osteoprosis, diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol. She's only 63 years old.
She has an unexplained mass on her side. She claims it doesn't hurt, but they have scheduled a CT scan of it. She also seems to have a lot of fluid around her middle. All of her body is super skinny, except for her middle and that is very large. The two doctors who examined her looked very disturbed at her middle. They didn't venture any diagnosis, but just ordered the CP scan. Whatever it is, can't be good. I'm fearing the worst.
Is surgery every advisable for someone who is so advanced in dementia? From the stages I have looked at, she's next to the Last stage. Whether this mass is cancer, hernia, fibroid tumor, etc., I can't predict, but it's likely a surgical remedy will be offered. I just don't see how she could handle any more pain or strain on her fragile body. Any information would be welcomed.
The staff at the ALF have discussed palliative care. I'm researching that now.
Still, with all of the other health issues - especially dementia - I'd echo the feeling of others that talks with the palliative care people at the hospital as well as hospice are in order.
I've seen what anesthesia can do in such circumstances and the results can be devastating so I may be biased, but I also have a good feeling about what I'd want if I were in your mother's shoes. I'd choose hospice.
Much goes to what your mother would have wanted if she'd been presented with this scenario when she was healthy. Would she have said, "Oh, I'd choose surgery anyway," or would she have said, "There's no way I'd want to live that way." You can't know for sure, of course, but you may have a feel for what she'd have thought.
The other consideration, of course, is how strong of a case the doctor can make for improvement vs. risk of the surgery.
Still, in the end, hospice would be my choice.
Please let us know what you decide and how you both are doing.
Carol
No question, if she were to develop some sort of a condition of any sort, it would be palliative care and hospice.
Would I do it again, knowing what I know now? No. I would have left it and sought palliative care. My dad did have hospice in the last month of his life. He passed away about two months after having the mass removed. Surgeons pressure you to do what they do - operate. You have to weigh whether it's right for your loved one in the fullness of their life and their situation. Only you and your family can answer that question.
Once you have the diagnosis you will better be able to advocate for your LO. You can't make decisions when you don't know what the options are. It sounds like you are a doing a good job as advocate. I wish you and your LO well.
See All Answers