My mom just had to go to the hospital for vaginal bleeding. Any ideas?

Step away from the Google. It could be any number of things that are NOT cancer. Most likely it's completely benign - polyps, for example - and something she can live with for the rest of her life.

You write "only 75" although that is the start of old age. The little bit of her medical history you've shared suggests that her body is biologically older than 75. What are her wishes going forward?

I am not sure that I understand. Why would she need to be sedated to have a pelvic exam or PAP smear? I have had cervical and uterine biopsies done with no local anesthetic let alone sedation. It is incredibly painful, but 100% possible.

If she can get into a bed, there is a way for her to be examined. Although exam tables and stirrups make it easier for doctors, they are not a requirement.

Cancer is treatable. My late grandmother in law had a total Hysterectomy when she was 93.

So what are your next steps? First, make sure Mum has all the paperwork updated. As her care provider you need health and financial POA’s. She should ensure her Will is up to date too. Next have her eldercare attorney prepare a caregiver contract to allow you to be paid and also to state what you will/can do and at what point you will need additional help in the home, and when it all becomes too much at what point a facility will be needed and down the road hospice care.

Once the POAs are in place take copies as needed to the bank, doctors’ offices etc. You may have to get all up in the face of her doctor for a referral to a OBGYN who specializes in Oncology. It is unconscionable that a doctor would not do basic diagnostic testing and exam on a woman at any age or ability.

Pacifist, the day I stopped trying to "fix" what was wrong with my mom's health was the day I regained some of my sanity.

When you get to a certain point in life, there are only "less bad" choices. Mom is competent to make her own decisions. You can take her to a nutritionist and see if she's motivated to adjust her diet somewhat, but dont ruin your relationship with your mom over this.

Please spend the time you have left with her making good memories, not arguing over food.

And remember, quinoa is a complete protein!

Glad the bleeding turned out to be 'nothing'--or at least nothing serious.

My DH struggles to eat healthily and I refuse to bring him breakfast in bed, lunch in bed, etc on those many days when he simply won't get up.

The protein shakes that Costco sells have a whopping amount of protein in them. You don't want to get all your protein from them, but one 'can' a day can make a big difference.

During my cancer treatment last year I was routinely protein deficient. I did try a couple of those shakes and decided I preferred a good steak to them. :) To each his own.

Having had cancer, I can say that 99% of the times I had a health issue and thought "oh man, this is cancer for sure' I was wrong every single time. Except for the time I DID have cancer. Taught me to not google every symptom and hiccup.

Millions (billions?) of people live perfectly healthy lives without ever eating meat, there are many, many alternative sources of protein. Low albumin is seldom a result of diet, there is more likely an underlying cause.

Given that your mom is relatively young and you list "age related decline" as the reason she needs care I'm wondering why you are so invested in her health care, is she not competent to take care of things herself?

Hi, everyone. My mom is home. Turns out it's a small Fibroid that is causing the bleeding, the doctor said it's probably nothing to worry about, although she needs to stop taking her blood thinner for now.

THAT SAID.. she has a new issue. So, my mom hates to eat protein. The doctor has told her that her Albumin is low in the past, but she refuses. She hates meat, hates everything. So now, I think it's causing issues with her liver!!

Ugh, I'm really mentally exhausted.

Stop googling. Refer to doctors

Pacifist, how is your mom doing?

Stop Googling.

What investigations are your mother's doctors recommending?

How is your mother?

Oh, Pacifist! It just keeps on, doesn't it?

I'm glad they cleared up that UTI and I agree that the bleeding could be related to that and not something more dire.

Take heart, ((((( hugs)))))) and let us know what the docs find!

Sending good energy your way. That is very challenging. I also googled something about my mom's symptoms today as well, big mistake, it told me cancer as well. I think we should not do this to avoid thinking of worst case scenarios.

This could also be related to the UTI . Try to relax until you get more information from the doctor.
Until then take deep breaths and say a little prayer that it is not as serious as it could be.

Thinking about you and mom.