My close friend was diagnosed in 2012 at the age of 69 with NET after which she started a course of Sandostatin. The expected effectiveness of this was two years but worked well for five years.
After Sandostatin had ended, Everolimus was prescribed which had overbearing side effects, namely mouth sores, rashes, hot flushes, fatigue, itching, diarrhoea, nausea and lack of appetite.
After three months she stopped taking Everolimus and accepted whatever consequences may arise; rather to have a better quality of life for a brief time than to suffer endlessly with side effects. It was disclosed at some point during the treatment that Everolimus was a trial drug, so was she being used as a guinea pig?
Having had her home broken into and ransacked, she moved in with me for care and attention although she was still very active on her allotment plot, sometimes overdoing things and pulling a muscle.
She continued to suffer side effects for some months after and diarrhoea continued ad infinitum but was controlled by Imodium to a certain degree.
An alternative drug suggested was Lanreotide but this was rejected after having suffered so many side effects previously although after eight months, Lanreotide was again advised as this would stop the diarrhoea. This she agreed to and it appeared to stop the diarrhoea and keep the growth of the tumour in check, however, CT scan results were never discussed in detail by the consultant/s.
Two weeks ago she fell ill overnight feeling extremely tired, eating very little and having severe internal pains. This has rapidly escalated into being unable to walk unassisted or not getting up at all out of bed and eating nothing, taking in only liquids (tea, Complan). Toilet visits are near impossible.
She is refusing medical assistance although I have tried and has a DNACPR notice for North West Ambulance Service.
Now she has the urge to die and end the suffering so I need to know how to cope with the situation or is there anything I can do to get her better..
There are no relatives so all is for me to take care of and I had hoped she would yet enjoy fruit from the garden trees, home grown tomatoes, veg grown at the allotments and Christmas. I’ve done a lot of crying today......
Thank you
Thank you
