I realise this is a very emotive post for some but would be very grateful for any responses …..
Well, looks like worst nightmare is about to happen…… mum has been sent a ‘copy GP’ letter which confirms ‘nodules’ found which were previously giving little cause for concern now warrant investigation (lungs and diaphragm) - further details to follow when the consultant has discussed results of latest scan with radiologists etc etc…. (next scheduled appointment with said consultant is not ‘til 2nd October)….
Mum’s battles with cancer previously (pre-dementia) have always involved invasive surgery …. now I’m not sure she’s even well enough to cope with a biopsy….(they refused my dad years ago on the basis they wouldn’t be able to treat him anyway if cancer was confirmed) and having seen the effects of chemo and radiotherapy on family members in a far better general state of health than mum is now……I know I’m going into ‘panic mode’ … but fore-warned is fore-armed and all that?
On a purely practical note, given mum doesn’t hear / understand / remember 99% of what is said to her in consultations, where do I stand in terms of ‘consent’ for any investigations or treatments which are proposed?
Sorry to be so gloomy, Karen, x
Well, looks like worst nightmare is about to happen…… mum has been sent a ‘copy GP’ letter which confirms ‘nodules’ found which were previously giving little cause for concern now warrant investigation (lungs and diaphragm) - further details to follow when the consultant has discussed results of latest scan with radiologists etc etc…. (next scheduled appointment with said consultant is not ‘til 2nd October)….
Mum’s battles with cancer previously (pre-dementia) have always involved invasive surgery …. now I’m not sure she’s even well enough to cope with a biopsy….(they refused my dad years ago on the basis they wouldn’t be able to treat him anyway if cancer was confirmed) and having seen the effects of chemo and radiotherapy on family members in a far better general state of health than mum is now……I know I’m going into ‘panic mode’ … but fore-warned is fore-armed and all that?
On a purely practical note, given mum doesn’t hear / understand / remember 99% of what is said to her in consultations, where do I stand in terms of ‘consent’ for any investigations or treatments which are proposed?
Sorry to be so gloomy, Karen, x