She had a minor stroke on the left side of her brain recently. She also has a tumor (benign) pressing on her spinal cord. It has not gotten any larger but she is faced with decision to either have surgery (many risks involved, paralysis, death), but if it is successful will be able to walk and better quality of life. OR not have surgery, take the risk of hoping the tumor does not get any larger, but if it DOES, she is faced with paralysis from the neck down the rest of her life as she will become weaker. Her heart is fine, she is recovering from the stroke at rehab, but we need to help her make a decision. Im not asking for an answer just some opinions on this. She walks with a walker as of now, but is weak from the stroke. If she does not want surgery, we will get as much help as needed but just the thought of her being paralyzed like that just breaks our hearts. ALSO, if faced with paralysis she is on medicare and medicaid, will this cover the immense costs of this??? She has no other monies at all, just social security check once a month.
There is so much to consider. I do not envy you at all. I would explore all other options and discuss the concern with anesthesia in depth. Have you gotten a second opinion?
It is a tough decision since there are risks if she does have surgery, and risks if she doesn't. I would go back to one of your questions from earlier on and re-read the answers. https://www.agingcare.com/questions/moms-head-symptoms-anxiety-related-223887.htm