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Kidney Cancer Stage 3 - Inflammation in organs - Problems

Vic2
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My mum was diagnosed with stage 3 kidney cancer early this year (10cm mass which has spread to a local lymph node), she started on immunotherapy which has made her really poorly and her treatment was changed. The cancer centre then treated her with infliximab for the inflammation in her heart, lungs, bowel and kidneys, she continued to have the chemo type tablets but not the infusion for the other part of the immunotherapy (just the infliximab). This has also made her poorly and she continued to be in a lot of pain, fainting, weight loss and a few stays in hospital were she got covid and tested positive for approx. 3 months. Her eye sight is deteriorating and her she is due to get hearing aids fitted as the same has happened to her ears. Also, mum has had loose stools for 3/4 months now, which was diagnosed ?colitis at her last stay in hospital. She has been on a very high dose of iv steroids for some time and now titrating down. Mum has suffered a number of falls since starting the immunotherapy and some fainting spells prior to this.

A couple of weeks before Christmas she had a fall and bashed her arm and eye but refused to go to hospital. Following this the week later (and a day after her infusion of infliximab) she fell in the night and broke her other arm. On Christmas Eve morning she was taken the hospital with suspected sepsis/septic shock. Her BP was 49/21 and we thought we might loose her. Resus were really good and she had iv abx, steroids, magnesium, potassium and fluids. Mum is still in hospital and did seem to be getting a tiny bit better each day, her BP had come up and she has continued on the abx. They took a stool sample a couple of days ago and she has been diagnosed with c-diff.. she has a catheter but seems to be incontinent the other, it just seems to be never ending for her. 

Mum is sitting up now and eating small amounts, but hasn't been out of bed for 9 days now because she is so frail and weak. The physio is going to start to try and get her out of bed and in the chair tomorrow and she has an appointment for her broken arm tomorrow, she is also a little confused (although this has improved). 

My question is, will she get better or do we need to prepare for the worst? If so, what is her life expectancy?

Thank you in advance.

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    Also her last staging scan said that the mass was largely necrotic, what does this mean? Is this a process? I am still waiting for mums consultant to ring me to explain (5 days waiting).

  • in reply to Vic2

    Hello Vic2 and thanks for both your posts,

    I am sorry to learn of your mum's situation, this must be a worrying time for you and your family.

    It does sound like your mum has been through a lot and I am not surprised she is feeling weak, it can take a long time to get over what she has been through and I imagine it will be a slow process to recovery. Unfortunately, only a doctor involved in your mum's care can answer your questions and explain what is meant by a necrotic mass. I am glad you have an appointment soon with the consultant. It is worth writing down what questions you have so you are clear in what you are asking.   

    It is good that the physio is starting to get her out of bed and hopefully, you will start to see some more improvement, but whether or not your mum will recover or what her prognosis might be, and not being involved in her care I cannot say.

    I am sorry I cannot be more helpful on this occasion and I appreciate the uncertainty of what will happen to your mum is very hard. I do hope when you speak with her consultant directly that you can get more answers soon. Please get back to us if you need any more information or support.  You would welcome to talk things through with one of the nurses on our helpline.  The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.

    Take care, all the best 

    Jemma

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