Biography

My mom is 92 years old and was diagnosed with IPF about 4 1/2 years ago. She’s been a non compliant patient. Over the last couple of months I noticed a pretty big decline. I brought her back to see her pulmonologist who she had not seen in several years. I could see his surprise by her current status. He did a CT of the chest, which confirmed substantial changes. With my mom sitting right there, I was hesitant to ask, “how bad is it?” Although I did ask if it would be a good time to bring in a palliative care expert, which he quickly agreed to. In 3 weeks since I went on vacation and had surgery, I hear she has a deep loose productive cough. It seems to be getting more pronounced since before I left. She did sign up for hospice, which I don’t think she fully understands the ramifications of what it means except she qualifies for a home health nurse and other free services. Despite my mom’s age, she is quick witted and sharp, and still lives on her own. I don’t know what questions to ask her physicians, and I suspect she will continue decline quickly. I would like to arm myself and family with as much information as possible. From what I have read here, IPF sounds like an awful disease. I need some direction on how to care for my mom, how to help my siblings understand what to expect, and what I should be asking her physicians.