02-07-2009, 01:57 AM
If the cancer has spread locally there is also a possibility of systemic spread. It is always hard to talk about end of life issues, however, in this case you should speak to your MIL and see what she wants. After being through surgery and chemo, she may want to pass with dignity. The treatment options that exist would be difficult pelvic exteneration (definition below) in which all the organs in the pelvis are removed. However, given the possibility of systemic spread this may not exact a cure, this going through such a morbid operation may not benefit her. If the family chooses to be aggressive, I would suggest a PET/CT to look for systemic disease and try another chemotherapy regimen to see if the cancer responds to the new regimen.Having said all this I refer back to my opening statement, and add that a life well spent is best served by passing with dignity, ask her what she wants and hospice is not a bad way to go. Good luck
|