Mom with extensive sclc
My mom went to the ER Sunday for what she thought was a pinched nerve. Scans showed cancer in her left lung, chest lymph nodes, her brain and spine. They did the biopsy Friday and while final pathology results are not back yet, I was told they are positive it’s extensive small cell lung cancer. They have not told her or my dad yet (my mom requested the doctor call me after the biopsy but the dr told me to wait until they shared the news with her to mention it).
She started off with parts of her legs numb and giving out but could walk. Within the week she now can no longer walk without a walker and someone nearby incase she falls. Her legs are now completely numb and has loss sensation in her bladder. She now leaks a good amount of urine when she coughs. She can still stand up and sit down on her own, she just says her legs are weak. She’s been on steroids to reduce brain swelling. She also says her brain feels foggy but is blaming the pain meds and is now refusing them. They have not let her leave the hospital.
I was told she has a few months to a few years left, depending on how she responds to chemo. Since she didn’t find out she even had it until it’s already spread to the brain and spine, is it even possible that she has years left? She’s 68 and her only diagnoses prior were copd and arthritis, but was mobile and self sufficient.
*as of this morning she’s not allowed to even use the walker. Doctors and nurses seem it too unsafe.