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About Wesley
Expertise
I can translate the jargon and answer the complex emotional and medical questions related to an ICU stay. I am a constant student of the changing face of Medicine, and hopefully I can help you come to a better understanding about what you can expect during your stressful time. I find that once the language is explained a little clearer, the puzzle comes more into focus. Usually, just to know that you are not alone may help.
I am familar with all facets of critical care except transplant and neonatal care. Questions about Sepsis, ventilation, gall bladders, hemodialysis, complicated cancer surgery and alcohol withdrawal, suicide/overdose attempts are welcome. Students are welcome
Experience
12 years as an ICU nurse and 2 yrs on Neurosurgery. Mentor, teacher, been there in your shoes myself.
Education/Credentials
BSN from Clemson, 15yrs grunt medic in the ARMY.
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You are here: Experts > Health/Fitness > Medical Specialists > ICU/Critical Care > mom on ventilator
Expert: Wesley - 10/9/2008
Question
hi, any info appreciated, thank you! to make a long story long. my mom 72 bent over and hurt her back. while planning fractured back surgery, hospital found cancer. primary lung cancer, possibly ovarian and liver also. mom has high bpressure in past, copd. mom was in lifecare center for a month doing rehab trying to strengthen her back (drs decided to treat cancer first), its stage 4, during rehab had 3 days of chemo and week later into emergency room due to fever, which turned into pneumonia in both lungs, had trouble breathing so went on ventilator with sedation so she cant speak. that was 5 days ago and still on vent. has good blood pressure, white blood cell count and platelets getting better, pneumonia got a little worse yesterday but the same today. everyday seems to be more bad news, recently drs said she has 25% heart working, and should be 50, can this number get better? also has bacterial blood but they know the bacteria are are using meds for it. moms hands and feet are swollen so bad but they say they are using meds to help, but shes not peeing as much as she should be. i work two jobs as a single mom and my heart is breaking, any advice? do u think there is still hope? thanks for any help u can give me, ec
Answer
My biggest peice of advice: take a deep breath.
If you have read any of my posts you know I kinda cut to the chase so I will with you to. You know the answer to the biggest of all these questions. Hope is progressive and quiet. If you nurture a healthy point of view, positive things happen.
Its true, your mom has a lot of strikes against her right now. I will tell you that there is nothing to do with her heart, it is what it is. However, the rest sounds right on track. Swelling is normal. Pneumonia is common in the infirm. Bacteria in the blood is common in pneumonia. Antibiotics for the bugs they find. It all sounds right, and treated well.
Primary stage 4 lung cancer is the deal breaker though. I hope that you have gone to the American Cancer Society or the Web MD or Merck.com and read about this. When the doctors tell you it's time to think about slowing down or withdrawing treatment, it probably is. Lung cancer of this grade is not curable. It's treatment is for comfort and acceptance of the process of cancer normally. My standard speech here is 'what would she want?' and I'll ask you that. If you had a day that she could talk, and hear, and understand; would that be better than a week on a ventilator and sedated?
These are hard, unfriendly statements in black and white I know, but please know that I understand your situation and wish for you and your Mom the best outcome possible.
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