Stage 4 Life Expectancy

[Kina13]

My mother-in-law is 87 with stage 4 cirrhosis.  I don't know what caused it, but she does not drink.  I know she was told it was stage 4 about 1.5 years ago.  She is not a candidate for transplant.  She has nearly all the typical symptoms, some to the extreme.  Like, she has to go every 3 weeks to have her belly drained and they take an average of 20 pounds of fluid each time.  She is tired of all of it.  She is nearly bald, she is pretty much skin and bone (except for her swollen belly), she has diabetes, her kidneys aren't healthy, etc.  My question is... what is a "typical" life expectancy for her?  I am considering some hospice care for her, but I don't want to act prematurely, yet I want her to have all the comforts humanly possible.  What difference would it make if she quit getting drained?  She hates it and doesn't want to do it anymore, but everyone keeps convincing her to keep going.  I want her to do what she wants, but I want to be knowledgeable when I talk to her.  Any suggestions would be very much appreciated.

[hepcandme]

I am so sorry to hear about your mother-in-law's illness. But she is 87 and if this were not affecting her health so much, then it is likely something else would be tasking her health at this point in her life

Her doctor would know best when it is time to bring hospice into the picture. Hospice workers are wonderful and will make certain that your mother-in-law's last days are as comfortable and as rewarding as she can make them

In my personal opinion, if she is just tired of undergoing paracentesis (and who wouldn't be?), then she shouldn't have to do so

If she were younger, if she were in better health, then her options would be broader - HCV treatment, liver transplant among them but I am certain that she would not qualify for any of those treatments

Good luck to you during this difficult time.

She is fortunate to have someone who is caring and loving at this stage of her life's journey

[orphanedhawk]

This is a sad situation. When I had advanced cirrhosis ( at a much younger age and in better health) I was able to keep the ascites ( fluid retention) at bay by sticking to a no salt diet. It's not easy and you must read all labels. She can also take diuretics to help with the fluid but that means more trips to the toilet. There are natural diuretics, some are teas.
Really, at the stage she's in, the best thing you can do is try to make her final days as comfortable as possible.

Best of luck.
OH

[AWorriedMom]

You sound like a remarkable daughter-in-law to have such concern for your mother-in-law. She is fortunate to have you.

It is difficult to make a guess as to how long one has left. I think hospice is likely to be able to help you with your question and know if now is the appropriate time to start hospice care. There may even be different levels of hospice care. And they sure know how to keep patients comfortable. It wouldn't hurt to talk to them.

I wish you the best and hope your mom-in-laws journey is peaceful.

[flyinlynn]

Hi so very sorry to hear of your mothers situation.

I suggest you may want to repost this question in the cirrhosis forum rathe than the hepatits c community

http://www.medhelp.org/forums/Cirrhosis-of-the-Liver/show/1390

They will have much more knowledge there for you also if you see comments from HectorSF he has a wealth of information to share

Good luck to you both