My mother has had MM for 5 years. She is now in hospital at “end of life” care.
A plan was formulated 4 weeks ago with the ward doctor, my mother’s haematology senior consultant, the ward sister and myself.
The plan regarding blood products as follows:- No more platelet transfusions based on FBC numbers, instead platelets will be given for bleeds and excessive bruising. Blood tests every 3 weeks and transfusion when red cells below 60. (Mam has a pic line.. so this isn’t an issue for her re cannulation etc).
Mam had an FBC last week that showed reds at 64, so they opted for another FBC this week as it would be likely that she would need a unit of red. Test came back and she is down to 52. However the Senior Ward consultant who only visits once a week ( and who is neither a haematologist or specialist in palliative care and wasn’t at the meeting) has decided he doesn’t agree with the plan so has written into my mothers notes. “No more transfusions of any kind and no more blood tests”.
He did this without telling my mother, myself or without discussing with the Senior Haematology Consultant. His attitude is “I don’t need to consult with anyone, while she is on my ward it’s my decision and that’s that”
Bearing in mind that this isn’t a specialist palliative care ward. It’s actually a rehabilitation ward for people who need help to rehabilitate to get back to their own homes, or if assessed otherwise are placed into nursing homes.
My mother has a place pending in a local cancer hospice which is joint between the health board and Macmillan but they seem keen to keep her on this ward.
I don’t have any confidence in the ward consultants opinion on my mothers care. Anaemia is a symptom and as such it should be treated. She already suffers with hypoxia is getting bad leg cramps and her tongue is really sore.
I am at my wits end with this now. I want to get her to the palliative care centre at the hospice. She isn’t being kept as comfortable as she should be. The Ward consultant will not budge on his decision and now it seems there is some animosity between the two consultants and my mother is caught in the middle.
I am a realist, i know this is the end but i don’t think it’s unreasonable to want the most comfortable and dignified end possible for my mother. I just don’t know what to do to help now. Feeling lost and useless.
