The latest

Mama saw the doctor today. He didn't feel the test was necessary. Hopefully he is right. She has lost 14 pounds in 3 weeks. Her appetite is ok I guess, but she refuses to eat anything but fruit, cereal and a few vegetables. Not sure why.

Julieanne, It appears to be a protective mechanism for people not to eat whey they are severely constipated because if there was a blockage eating more would be harmful. Is she eating better since she had a bowel movement? You will want to find out if she feels full, nauseated or if something else is interfering with her appetite. Depression can also depress appetite for some people.

I would speculate that the purpose of any test at this point is to be better able to provide comfort. Dick has a stent in his right ureter because the CIS was closing it off and would have caused severe pain and death of the kidney which is also why they won't take it out now. He has a very irritated bladder from the stent but the incontinence is better than the alternative. Also when a test is proposed as them the questions you asked here. What do they suspect is happening. What can they do if there is a blockage or hernia. Ask questions until you understand. Julie

Hi Julieann
I am glad your poor mother has finally got some relief she must have been in a real state. Its a good idea to know what's going on and there are various options if there is a problem so she doesnt need to give in. I had surgery for a tumour that was starting to cause problems in September but there were other less invasive options such as stents.
However if she is on reduced fluids and strong pain killers that's probably where the problem lies. Good luck on Friday and if you want to contact me please feel free.
Lisa x

The hospice nurse came today and gave Mama another enema. She managed to have a decent bowel movement. She has barely eaten in about 3 days. The nurse also talked to the doctor about increasing her fluid some. She has been on fluid restrictions because of her sodium level. The nurse feels it is reasonable to have an xray (the kind where she drinks barium?) when she visits the doc on Friday, just to be sure of what is going on. My question though is, even if there is a blockage(caused by a hernia or tumor), what can they do about it? Mama who has been optimistic and determined ever since her diagnosis, is starting to give up.