Mother 90 years old with mid stage Alzheimer's

[Moms_Nurse]

There is no question that we will not treat this cancer aggressively and only palliitviely. But I have been my Mother's long term care taker and I am not ready to lose her. I'm hoping I will have at least six months to adjust with help from my psychotherapist since I have manic depressive disorder and I'm already working through a family depression completely unrelated to my devotion to my Mother and her disease, I am a skilled nurse and have confidence in my ability to care for her. But wish I had a crystal ball to prepare me for her end. She is the glue that has held me together.
Does age keep it from progressing quickly. I only discovered large hard mass several weeks ago and will have a diagnosis in a couple of weeks. She has no pain or discomfort.


This discussion is related to Ovarian Cancer - What to Expect without treatment.

[ovarianat60]

I'm new to this forum, and it's now been ten years since your Mom's diagnosis.  Hopefully your psychotherapist was able to help you through her transition.  I identify very closely with your story - healing profession (social work here), ovarian cancer (your Mom's, mine), Alzheimers (our Mom's), bi-polar (ours). Know that you are not alone, and I'd be glad to talk with you anytime.  

[Moms_Nurse]

What a positive message. I admire you for two reasons. One of course is that you are a devoted daughter and the other is you have dealt with your Mother's mental illness so long. My brother and sisters have given up on me because of my manic depression and blame me for getting ill. Yet, I'm the one who is the caretaker. I don't work full time at least. I bless every moment I have with her.
Thank you

[chelan3]

Hi there.  I've been my mom's caregiver (while working full time as well) for over 10 years, she has COPD and schizo-affective disorder. Last year, she had a series of UTI's that made her very weak and while in a geriatric assessment unit to build up her strength, they found out she has lung cancer.  She's now in a nursing home in pallitive care.  They expected her decline to be very quick (as she could not have surgery or treatments), but she did very well up until about a month ago.  Her drs mentioned that tumor growth in the elderly can sometimes be slower.  She's too weak to walk anymore and confined to a wheelchair and bed.  But I have been blessed to have the extra time with her that the doctors didn't think we'd have.

I hope that your mom's growth turns out not to be cancer, it's good that she's not in pain.  

Take care,
Chelan

[Moms_Nurse]

Thank you for your understanding comment. No they have not done surgery and yes it may not be ovarian cancer, but that's my family doctor also a GYN best guess. An ultrasound will be done on the 12th.
I am sorry for your losses, I hope I can have as much courage.

[doublek180]

Hi, Bless your heart..your mom is lucky to have you as not only her daughter but best friend! I dont think at any age its easy to let someone you love go...even at the age of 90. I have lost my Daughter (car accident) in 2002, she was only 21. Also lost my Dad, he was only 70. They were and will always be My BEST friends!!   May i ask if they did surgery on your mom for the mass? Thank God she isnt in pain..it may not even be cancer...We will all say a pray for her..and for you!  Please remember to take care of yourself also!!