My mom has suffered, from what her doctors describe as a form of bipolar mixed with schizophrenia for most her of adult life (she is 55). She went through years of instability until doctors prescribed lithium with some ECT's. That did the trick, and she has been fine for 8 years.

Last summer she was diagnosed with cancer (Multiple Myeloma). She had a severe case of hypercalciumia, and actually almost died. The doctors took her off of the Lithium, because of the danger of elevating her sodium.

Since September, her mental health has gone downhill. She spent October in the mental hospital, but quickly recovered. However, after only a few weeks at home she relapsed, and she has spent the last 2 months in the hospital. She has shown flashed of doing better, for never for more than a few days, and often for only a day.

The doctors are baffled by her case, because of the multiple factors. She is on heavy pain killers, and they think this is reacting with her other med's (she is on Zyprexa and Ativan). It's a real catch 22.

We are quite desperate. Myeloma is terminal, and she is spending her final days wasting away, and really suffering. We could use any help we can get.

If you know of anyone, or if you know of any similar cases, I would greatly appreciate any help that you can give me.

First, let me apologize for taking so long to respond. Second, I am very sorry for you and your mother secondary to her ill health. I cannot comment on the details of your mom's case, but I wonder if the order of the day is to address the quality of her life first, and second to be concerned about the potential side effects (that hopefully might not occur) of the treatment that has kept her well for many years. Depending on her medical status, resuming her previous medication (or even the option of ECT), may be the most compassionate approach. As mentioned at the beginning, the details of her medical condition are best managed by her family and the doctor's and nurses managing her case. No doubt someone from consultation-liaison psychiatry is involved in her care also. They might be in the best position to address her psychiatric status in the face of her multiple myeloma. I only hope that her suffering lessens soon, and I hope these thoughts help.