Good luck. At lot of times at that age they simply don't wake up from the anesthesia.

One more thank you. That’s exactly the plan: surgery and hired help there. Move here after recovery. Apply for Medicare in the meantime

Hire help, get care there, apply for medicare and then move her back.

Anonymous wrote:^^ this

The prognosis for lung cancer is not good at any age. At 80? Probably very bad

FIL was diagnosed with lung cancer 3 years ago, when he was 83. Since then, his wife (MIL) passed away but he is still doing ok for his age. He didn’t have a surgery (inoperable), went through some therapies, and DH plans to move him here soon. He also lives alone overseas.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If she is the citizen of that country (and I assume since her medical care is covered, she is), she'd want to stay put. She returned for a reason.

When she was not facing a terminal illness.

But if she has family and friends there and that country’s language is her first language she might be more comfortable there. My mother grew up in another country and then came to the US when she was 20. She speaks English fluently, graduated from college in the US and worked in the US for 35 years. Now in her mid 80’s she streets speaking her native language as she cognitively declines. Her long term memory is still intact and I think it is just easier for her.

Op said her mom or her friend's mom is isolated so doesn't have friends and family. Also, you can rely on friends and family for visits and dropping off a meal here and there, but you always need to hire someone to coordinate things if you can't be there. Everyone is burned out from their own family illnesses and isn't looking to be someone's free caregiver or coordinator. See what you can hire. Also, does the hospital have a translator who can be involved in talking with doctors? Did your mom sign a release?

Your friend should look into hiring a care manager there who can coordinate everything and advocate as needed. It's expensive, but may be cheaper there than here. Also, can she do international Facetime for all important meetings with doctors?

Of course she needs to have the surgery there. Also, moving at that age a long distance can be dicey. Is there a social worker at the hospital who can make sure she is placed somewhere appropriate for recovery once discharged?

Thanks again, everyone. The issue seems to be that the surgery needs to be done asap to have a chance of success. And this family can’t afford to pay out of pocket for it in the US while waiting 2 months for Medicare to kick in. Planning to call some hotlines on Monday to figure out the supplemental options and whether Medicaid is relevant here.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If she is the citizen of that country (and I assume since her medical care is covered, she is), she'd want to stay put. She returned for a reason.

When she was not facing a terminal illness.

But if she has family and friends there and that country’s language is her first language she might be more comfortable there. My mother grew up in another country and then came to the US when she was 20. She speaks English fluently, graduated from college in the US and worked in the US for 35 years. Now in her mid 80’s she streets speaking her native language as she cognitively declines. Her long term memory is still intact and I think it is just easier for her.