I am the caregiver for my Mom. She is 59 and has the end stage of COPD. She also has Emphysema. She is on Oxygen 24/7 now. She gets winded when she just walks to the kitchen. Her hands shake really bad. Showering exhausts her. She is not eating as much anymore. I live in Hawaii and she lives in Florida. I am here now with her and don't want to leave her in this condition. I am awaiting a call from her Dr. now. Can someone please tell me if I should request Palliative Care? She is still smoking as well - outside without her Oxygen however I have learned that the smoking particles can remain on your clothes and in the nasal cavity for quite some time after smoking and could cause your face to catch fire. Can someone please give me any advice?
Is anyone familiar with someone in this condition that won't stop smoking? If so what is the life expectancy in your opinion? I know we can't say for sure but I need to relocate here if it's going to be soon. I don't want to ask her and upset her.