We are at a crux. Today, Mom's doctor advised us to consider and experimental treatment. We were approached with this new medication on Friday by the dermatologist. Friday was such a difficult day because we were approached with this potential 'miracle' drug in conjunction to meeting with Hospice and Palliative Care. For reasons we felt confident on Friday, we opted to NOT try the miracle drug. Risks were too dire, as well as the potential kind of death that could occur if all went wrong.
So, we have moved forward...but now...
Our optimistic doctor, whose opinions we value, asked us to reconsider. The drug is called IV Remicade. It would be administered for Mom's severe psoriasis. We have never heard of it and are doing research on it at this moment. We were told that the average patient who takes this drug can see a 50% change in their skin. With mom having psoriasis 95% of her body, this would be a huge difference and would aid in lessening yet another complication. But, we were told that if the drug were to have a positive effect, it might make the other doctors (kidney, infection, etc) jobs more challenging. Also, mom has numerous risks that are not in her favor for a drug like this. Yet, they said she is in the best place to administer the drug rather than trying it outpatient. Also, it is an extreme drug that may present the most extreme results in the shortest period of time.
The reasons we declined the treatment Friday is because Hospice gave mom a 25% chance of making it through the weekend. We wanted her to be as comfortable as possible and found it not the time for experiments or 'heroic acts' as the doctor termed it. And, though she is still critical, she is also HERE. She has exceeded expectations and this wouldn't be the first time. We are being urged to reconsider and we are unsure. We have much information to read over tonight. We also have to discuss amongst each other. We have to be on the same page.
We shall see.
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