Anaesthetics / Alzheimers

[Margaret W]

Not relevant to most posters, and sorry for intruding, but somebody mentioned their mum walking several miles in several hours. Just to say that I can't do that myself, and mum can only manage about 20 minutes (at a slow pace) before she needs to sit down. Even a run in the country in the car, and after 20 minutes she has had enough.

My point is, I can't think of anything to amuse my mum.

Regards

Margaret

 

[CraigC]

Hi All,

Another question related.

Has anyone heard of someone being give chemotherapy with mid or indeed late stage alzheimers? Just been told that it is not advisable for someone with alzheimers and just don't know enough to question right now. Seems that the line of thought is that it will be too disturbing. The operation has not helped the progression and I can see where they (the specialist) are coming from, but it is a tough call.

thanks for any advice/experience.
Craig

 

[ella24]

Hi Craig

I think as there are so many forms of chemo drugs that it is a bit 'horses for courses'....

The oncologist should be able to decide on the right chemo combo, in conversation with the AZ consultant, and looking at the whole medication picture.

e

 

[Scottie45]

HI Craig

I just want to wish your Uncle all the best for his op.I am sure your Aunt and you are worried sick.When my mum in law had her hip replacement we lived in Scotland at the time and we came over to N.Ireland to see her a few days after the op and she was totally out of it with the anaesthetic she did not know we were here or anything and she does not have Alzheimers sorry this is not much help.I hope all goes well thinking of yoy all.Take care Marian x

 

[CraigC]

He has had the op and unfortunately the surgery was quite severe. Chemo would usually follow.

Sorry, ella, I should have been clearer with my question. The chemo seems to be an issue as the treatment will be too disturbing for someone with alzheimers. Just need to know if anyone has any direct experience of this. The specialist are very aware of the condition and I think it is a touch call. I appreciate that there are many different treatment options, but they can be disturbing enough for someone without alzheimers.

My question is whether anyone knows anyone who has coped with chemo will having mid/late alzheimers.

thanks
Craig

 

[Margarita]

My question is whether anyone knows anyone who has coped with chemo will having mid/late alzheimers.

I Just can't get my head around it . Why would anyone give someone with Mid/late alzheimers
Chemotherapy ?


When Chemotherapy is drug treatment which is used to try and kill cancer cells or stop them spreading.

Unless of course the person has Mid/late alzheimers also Cancer ?

 

[ella24]

OK Craig, I misunderstood, sorry.

 

[CraigC]

No worries, clarity seems to be my problem tonight Ella ;-)

Yes Margarita, this is post-op chemotherapy, he has had an operation to remove a tumor. The surgery was quite agressive and under normal circumstances they would give a long course of chemotherapy after such a surgery.

thanks
Craig

 

[Margarita]

Now I understand what your mean, your uncle tumor is cancerous
Sorry am bit thick .

 

[Bookworm]

Hello Craig

I'm pleased the op is over now. A very worrying time for you. I would need to go off & think about this & read - I have no personal experience of hearing of anyone with AD having chemo.

I do know that commitment to comply with the treatment is vital as the symptoms can be very unpleasant e.g. raging diarrhoea, very bad vomiting and potential for severe infections - all these symptoms may require patient to be sent back to treating centre potentially in a 999 ambulance - and all of them require additional tablets. Some of the chemo is by injection into a cannula. So compliance, side effects, danger to life through infection & dehydration & ability to consent to such trauma all seem to be possible reasons for such a decision. Also in later stages of AS a palliative situation would usually preclude chemo. Some palliative care can be treatment too e.g. blood transfusions - but there is a world of difference between some blood to ease your breathing & heart strain & ...chemo

 

[citybythesea]

I don't know if I'm coming from where your asking. (Hows that for confusing?)

One of the patients at the home I volunteer for has a major cancer. Surgery was mandatory as not doing it would have been cruel and then the next step would have been a massive chemo course. The Dr.s opted not on the chemo....both quality of life issues.

1...AZ has already taken quite a bit from her, healthwise. The chemo would have only prolonged a different misery.

2...She was past the point of understanding or being able to understand hanything about chemo and it would have caused a lot of undo stress, plus the fact that they felt that "the emotional strain" may undo anything the chemo could help with.

She still has a grim prognosis, but with the surgery they were able to help with prolonging a life that would not have been easy in the end for even the healthiest of people.

I hope this may help you a little. I think this is the point where quality and not quantity becomes the issue.

HUGS

Nancy

 

[jenniferpa]

Nancy - that makes a lot of sense to me at any rate.

 

[citybythesea]

.the hardest issue a carer will every have to confront..whether they are given the choice to make it or a dr. makes it....


Craig, you and your family are in my prayers.


HUGS

Nancy

 

[Tender Face]

Just been told that it is not advisable for someone with alzheimers and just don't know enough to question right now. Seems that the line of thought is that it will be too disturbing.

Craig I was asking a similar question on this thread: http://www.alzheimers.org.uk/talkingpoint/discuss/showthread.php?t=11284 (bit of a saga and not all relevant to you but some fabulous responses (as per) which may help you too ...

I just re-read the saga for myself recalling well the consultation at Christie's (specialist cancer hospital) where the oncologist ruled out chemo for mum .... I never quoted there but his exact words were: "It would do more harm than good."

Those words now give me peace that she was not denied something, but was prevented from further anguish, if that makes sense?

Thinking of you, love Karen, x