Guest jodycalabro Posted April 12, 2005 Share Posted April 12, 2005 My mother has been fighting nsclc for over 4 years. She was diagnosed with stage IV adenocarcinoma and has been through many rounds of chemo, radiation, several thorosentisis, 3 hospitalizations. In November, she came home and hasn't had any treatment since September. She has fought and fought, and she is now nearing the end of her journey. She is having trouble with anxiety, refusing narcotics, difficulty breathing. The hospice people have been wonderful but what kills me is the not knowing what will happen next. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ry Posted April 12, 2005 Share Posted April 12, 2005 I am sorry to hear your mother is coming to the end of this hard road. She has fought a good fight. The hospice nurses should be able to help you with what's next...talk to them. They are there for the family too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ginnyde Posted April 12, 2005 Share Posted April 12, 2005 Jody, Most hospices have a social worker that will meet with family members. I found this very helpful. I am sorry about your Mother. LC is not an easy journey. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cindi o'h Posted April 13, 2005 Share Posted April 13, 2005 My thoughts are with you and your mother. I am sorry that she is having trouble accepting help. Cindi o'h Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Patkid Posted April 13, 2005 Share Posted April 13, 2005 We are praying for peace for your mother and for you. Best Regards, Pat and Bri Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kimblanchard Posted April 13, 2005 Share Posted April 13, 2005 I am sorry to read this - what a battle - and you have won for 4 years. That is quite an accomplishment. We found hospice very helpful, call them anytime, that is what they are there for. I would urge you to have some narcotics on hand, even if she is refusing them right now. Also anti-anxiety drugs. You may feel better just knowing they are an option and there may be a few days when your Mom will indeed need them and may not be able to communicate that to you. I could tell because my husband would get very irritable, then I would ask and he would say yes, he needed something. In our case, once we started on the downhill, it went quick. All of it was hard in it's way but for me, as caregiver, I ran into some bad problems but just for the last week. For us, what helped, too, was to fill the days with love - short phone calls, short visits, special foods, and at the very end, soft gentle music. Just be with her, honor her wishes, watch over her safety, and in the last couple of days, she may be saying things, you may want to write them down for later. Stop in here anytime for specific advice for specific problems, probably someone has faced them before. Love, Margaret Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest jodycalabro Posted April 13, 2005 Share Posted April 13, 2005 Thank you Margaret. I appreciate the support. Fortunately, we started her on narcotics yesterday and she has been on anti-anxiety meds for a while, but we've increased them quite a bit. Please just keep us in your prayers and I'll pray for you as well. You have been through a lot! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bbays Posted April 13, 2005 Share Posted April 13, 2005 I am praying for both of you. God Bless you, Barb Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
J.C. Posted April 16, 2005 Share Posted April 16, 2005 just sending some prayers for both. J.C. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dadstimeon Posted April 16, 2005 Share Posted April 16, 2005 Sorry to hear about your mom and prayers for the both of you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shineladysue Posted April 16, 2005 Share Posted April 16, 2005 I'm so sorry about your mom. Sending prayers... Sue Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maryanne Posted April 17, 2005 Share Posted April 17, 2005 Jody, So sorry for you and especially your mom. This has to be so hard on you. Just be there all you can for her and let her know how much you love her. That will make her journey so much more peacful. Thinking of you and praying for strength for your difficult days ahead. We are always here to listen and for support. Maryanne Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gail p-m Posted April 17, 2005 Share Posted April 17, 2005 Many prayers being sent to your mom and you during this very difficult and stressful time. Do talk with the hospice people about these things too and see if they can give additional thoughts or help to you about your concerns. Gail P-M Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SharKats Posted April 24, 2005 Share Posted April 24, 2005 Sending prayers your way for both you and your Mom. As someone else said - it's such a difficult journey for both patient and caregiver. God bless! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paddy Posted April 24, 2005 Share Posted April 24, 2005 Dear Jody, So very sorry to hear this news of your Mom. I found that reading "Crossing the Creek" ,(on the web,)was very comforting to me. Warm thoughts and prayers going out to you. Paddy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gail p-m Posted April 25, 2005 Share Posted April 25, 2005 Sorry to hear that your mom is at the end of the long, hard journey. Prayers being sent for both of you. Gail P-M Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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