StarrC

Just wanted to let you all know that Mom passed this morning at 4:30. She awoke out of a deep sleep and was having difficulty breathing. After giving her some morphine and waiting a half an hour, she begged me to call someone. As soon as I had hospice on the phone she took her last breath(s). I think it was her way of not letting me go through this alone. The hospice nurse told me that she probably "threw a clot." I am so thankful that I followed my heart and brought her home! I know that she is at peace now with my father and my brother. She has lived a full but has dealt with many heartaches. I know that she will forever be my angel. God Bless. Starr

Just wanted to let you all know that I brought mom home yesterday. After looking into a few nursing facilities, I decided to bring her home where she will be comfortable. I talked with Hospice and they will have a nurse come in twice a week and a CNA every other day to bath her. I know that the road will be rough whereas I am the only caregiver but her doctor tells me that she will be in God's arms within a month. I pray that I have the strength and courage to do this on my own. If anyone has any tips or words of advise as to how to care for her by myself it would be greatly appreciated. Little things like repositioning her is very difficult with one person. Also, she has swelling in her right arm which I'm told is due to the tumor pressing against her artery. Have any of you heard of this and if so, how painfull will it be for her? Thanks again for your support. Starr

First I want to thank everyone for their kind words and advise. Unfortunately, I don't think I will be able to take mom to the places she would love to visit. Just 5 days after learning that she had terminal lung cancer, she had a stroke (unrelated to the cancer) and is now paralyzed and needs to be placed in a skilled nursing facility for 24 hour care. I can't believe life can be so cruel! Just a week and a half ago, she was a fairly healthy 63 year old lady who could care for herself and enjoy life! Now she has to rely on strangers to care for her! I feel like I've been cheated in that I can't be the one to care for her. I am attempting to get her into a nursing home that has a hospice program so that they will make her comfortable and maintain her dignity! Anyway, thank you for your thoughts and God Bless all of you! Starr

First I want to say thank you for this wonderful website! It has answered many of my questions in the past 4 years. Four years ago my mother was diagnosed with lung cancer and had her left lung removed. Although I only posted a message once, I looked to your website daily for information during that time. Recently, she has been again diagnosed with cancer in her remaining lung and isn't expected to make it to Christmas. She has decided not to have any more treatments or tests and just wants to be comfortable and pain free in her own home. Yesterday we met with Hospice and they will be assisting us with this process. I have sooo many questions and thoughts running through my head that I don't even know where to begin. I am ready and willing when the time comes to move in with her (I live 2 hrs away) and be with her during her remaining time on earth, however, she strongly disagrees with me and doesn't want me to. I am hoping as this horrible disease progresses, she will come to realize that she will need my help and that I need to be with her. My only concern is one of the counselors at the hospital indicated that it is best if you have two caregivers that can alternate giving care. There is only me. Will I be able to do this alone? Another question is, while she is still able, I want her to do the things she loves to do. She loves the ocean and I would like to take her for an overnight visit but she is on oxygen as needed right now and she is still smoking (which I'm I am now at peace with). Will hotel rooms allow me to bring her there? Like I said, we just found out two days ago and maybe these questions seem a little strange but I just want her to enjoy what little time she has and I don't want her to feel like she has to sit around and wait to die. Any thoughts or words of wisdom is welcome.