I run a care home for the elderly. Sadly one of our ladies has been diagnosed with oral cancer. She is to go for a biopsy in the next 2 weeks, so we don't have anything difinative yet. The consultant has said it is cancer, and that due to her being 93 and having diabetes and dementia, he felt it would be cruel to put her through 12 hours of surgery. (a sentiment I agree with) I suppose, as care staff, we are wondering how this is going to affect her and the care we can give. What problems are we going to come up against, and how can we best meet her needs? As we appear to be looking at an end stage case, although he did mention radiotherapy. At present her symptoms are of a sore mouth, which causes only alittle pain when eating. I look forward to any help. Thank you.
- Tina

Hi Tina

Palliative Care would mean keeping your lady comfotable (surgery/radiotherapy if necessary to reduce the tumour so that it doesn't interfere with speech or appearance, etc) and pain free (analgesics, mouth washes). Oral hygiene may be compromised but I expect that she wears dentures so trhat should not pose much of a problem. Her doctors should be advising you.

You may find the PRODIGY Guidance - Palliative care - oral problems helpful.

Best wishes
Vinod

I feel quite sorry for this older woman, as one does go through a great deal of pain, also eating is very difficult, I am sure if you read what we have all written on these pages will inform you of how hard it is for everyone.

Something like this was discussed last year when someone had to decide to put his mother through radiotherapy treatment or not at all as she had an alzheimer's diagnosis too.

I think some of us implied it is hard enough for a fully functioning person to be bolted to a radiotherapy table let alone someone who does not understand why or what is happening.

Difficult for those who make the decisions. Life is sweet whatever your age.