95. Fate

At 90 Mildred is alert and independent.  She's in the hospital for complications of congestive heart failure: the heart doesn't pump as well as it should, blood and fluid back up in the circulatory system, leading to swelling in limbs and fluid in the lungs.  She needs meds (e.g., digitalis) to strengthen the heart, which should clear up her lungs, allowing for a discharge in a few days.

An abdominal CT scan (not too sure why that was obtained, but it's almost routine), incidentally showed an abnormal uterus, suspicious for cancer.  I recommended a uterine biopsy, to be done in the office after her discharge.  If it showed cancer, surgery might be recommended, or for a precancerous condition called hyperplasia, easy to take suppressive hormones (progesterone) could be recommended.  She said no thanks.

Her son was present and clearly wanted her to accept the biopsy.  A common theme. The kids want everything done for their parents, who often are satisfied to "let nature takes its course."  I argued for a middle ground:  do the biopsy (uncomfortable for a few minutes but no risk to health), then rethink.  She said she would consider but was inclined not to.