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My 75 Year Old, Future Mother-in-law Was Diagnosed 6 Months
Question: My 75 year old, future mother-in-law was diagnosed 6 months ago with encephalomalacia as a result of prophylactic radiation of the cranium following small cell lung cancer (about 24 mo in remission now). It has progressed to parkinsonism. The PT, OT and speech therapies are about to be terminated for lack of progress. There is also COPD as a fun, tho I suppose not surprising comorbidity. Doctors refuse to give any sort of prognosis. My fiancé is insistent on providing all of her care 24/7. Our wedding is planned for January. What am I getting myself in for and for how long?
Brief Answer:
Not a good prognosis.
Detailed Answer:
Hello dear, welcome to Ask a doctor service.
I read your query and here is my advice.
I am sorry of hearing this.
Encephalomalacia gets better with proper treatment ( surgical removal of the damage), but this procedure is difficult to be done to her because COPD and lung cancer history. Encephalomalacia can often lead to coma or death.
Also the small cell lung cancer is one of the most aggressive and invasive cancers.
I think she may get worse with time.
An exact life expectancy can't be said.
You can do your wedding earlier and your husband can be happy of having his mother in his wedding. Also thinking that she may get worse and may need more care latter, I suggest you to do weeding earlier.
Hope I have answered the question.
Let me know if I can assist you further.
Not a good prognosis.
Detailed Answer:
Hello dear, welcome to Ask a doctor service.
I read your query and here is my advice.
I am sorry of hearing this.
Encephalomalacia gets better with proper treatment ( surgical removal of the damage), but this procedure is difficult to be done to her because COPD and lung cancer history. Encephalomalacia can often lead to coma or death.
Also the small cell lung cancer is one of the most aggressive and invasive cancers.
I think she may get worse with time.
An exact life expectancy can't be said.
You can do your wedding earlier and your husband can be happy of having his mother in his wedding. Also thinking that she may get worse and may need more care latter, I suggest you to do weeding earlier.
Hope I have answered the question.
Let me know if I can assist you further.
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
Answered by
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