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Disney3216 Asked July 2021

Grandmother with severe inclusion body myositis may have cancer. What will happen??

I have written many things regarding my grandmother who has severe inclusion body myositis and has a g tube as a result of several aspiration incidents. Today my mother had to take her to the hospital because of multiple episodes of nausea (she tends to lie about medical issues and says she’s fine when things happen) which have been occurring for weeks and they think she might have a type of stomach cancer because she has a mass on her liver or somewhere. They’re going to do a biopsy to see if it is cancerous. I don’t know what would happen if she does have it like will chemotherapy or radiation be involved (My other grandmother had ovarian cancer and sadly died 3 years ago) or will she eventually have to live in a facility?? We are just praying for the best at this point.

againx100 Jul 2021
Not testing or treating at her age and condition are certainly valid options. Personally if it were me, that's the way I would go. I would rather have my life end with comfort care than with extreme measures that will make me feel like crap for the rest of my days. But that's just my personal opinion. I would just try to see what she thinks is appropriate and support her through the journey that she chooses.

Grandma1954 Jul 2021
Depending on what she/ the family decides to do with the results after testing should decide if testing is actually necessary.
There are 2 options.
Treat
Do not treat.
If the option is to treat any conditions then testing is necessary.
If she/ family decide not to treat then testing is unnecessary and puts her at risk anyway.
If the option is not to treat ask the doctor to use a best educated "guess" and refer her for Hospice. She will have symptoms managed, pain if any managed. You will have support and supplies and equipment provided. As long as she does not seek treatment, as long as there is a continued decline (and that can mean anything) she can remain on Hospice.
Hospice will allow the g-tube.
Because of the G-tube there is a good possibility that the only facility that she would be admitted to would be Skilled Nursing.

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NeedHelpWithMom Jul 2021
Your profile says that your grandmother is 81. I think you will have to accept how she feels about her future care. At her age she may decide not to treat her cancer. Of course, it’s sad to lose those we love, but it is important to support what they feel is best for them.

Will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers. Keep us posted. We are here if you need to talk about your feelings. How is your mom handling this situation? This is hard for all of you to go through. I’m so sorry.
Disney3216 Jul 2021
Thank you. My mom and the rest of my family are dealing with this as best they can. We are preparing for the worst but hoping for the best.

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