minnie Posted June 28, 2005 Share Posted June 28, 2005 My mother died June 13, 2005. I can't even explain how I feel. I got a call from my sister on May 20 that mom couldn't breathe well and was going to ER. As, these hospital visits happen often, I asked my sister if I should come home. She said yes. I flew out the next day. My mother was already swollen from extended steroid use. (She had brain mets that had not changed much in over 20 months even with use of Temodar, gamma knife and other WBR.) She was preparing for neurosurgery when two more spots were found on her lung after being clear for over 2 years. She was admitted to hospital. She had a lot of trouble digesting food. Her stomach was very extended. GI doc says it had basically shut down. About 2 weeks into hospital stay after bronchoscopy, my mother began hallucinating and talking nonsense and went into respiratory distress. Was rushed to ICU and placed on ventilator. My mother never told my sister, brother or me what she wanted in a case like this. When we tried, she just told us that she had a husband who knew. She never did a living will or advance directives. After three tries to remove her from the ventilator, she finally was able to stay off. She made great progress. The cancer was, however, in her lymph node system. She still wanted to continue chemo. Her oncologist also recommended she finalize her plans. He asked her about life support, etc. ad she said she did not want it. He drew up modified DNR papers. She was not sure about IV therapy. After another week in ICU, my mother was moved to the cardio pulmonary unit. She was doing better. Ordering me around, telling me what to do. Laughing, joking, it was almost as if I had her back again. I spent the night with her, and the next night my sister stayed. It was the first night in over three weeks that I did not spend the night at the hospital. The phone rang at about 1 a.m. and my sister was telling that us that my mom was being rushed to ICU again. My father and I rushed to the hospital and made sure that she was not put on a ventilator again. I could hear her screaming in the ICU waiting room, and went in to see what was going on. She was fighting the nurses and trying to pull off all the sensors and IVs from her body. The nurses were still trying to draw blood for blood gas levels and she was telling them to stop. I told my dad that I thought she was trying to tell us to stop. She said that he wasn't doing anything. She told me to get her a cup of tea and I made it for her, She took two sips and told me she loved her and never spoke to me again. That day, I told my father that me and my siblings trusted that he would do the right thing according to her wishes. He asked the nurses to call her oncologist. He told the onc that he wanted all life-saving measures stopped and to have her placed in hospice. My brother, sister, dad and I were all there in the room when they disconnected her IVs. She looked relieved. She didn't fight at all. We wanted to take her home, but the onc didn't think she would make the trip home. So we moved her to a private room. She hung on for four days. My sister and I realized that she began to push our hands away. My sister and I talked and decided that she probably wanted to spare us the anguish of watching her die. We left the hospital around 9:30 p.m. June 12. My mother died at 12:02 a.m. June 13. We knew when we left that we would not see her alive again. It was no surprise when my dad came home to tell me. The week of the funeral was a blur. I didn't really cry until the dirt was poured over my mother's grave. I'm told I should feel angry, sad, and go through a bunch of emotions, but I don't know how I feel. All I can remember is that I had a great mother, and I hope to be just half as good a mother as she has been to me my brother and sister. Minnie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MilliBr1 Posted June 28, 2005 Share Posted June 28, 2005 Minnie, I'm so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my prayers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tnmynatt Posted June 28, 2005 Share Posted June 28, 2005 Minnie, So sorry for your loss. Praying for you and your family. Take care. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Don Wood Posted June 28, 2005 Share Posted June 28, 2005 Very sorry for your loss. My heartfelt sympathies. You are numb right now. Emotions may come later. I know -- I've been there. Don Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Treebywater Posted June 28, 2005 Share Posted June 28, 2005 I'm so sorry that you lost your Mom. I dont' think there is a right way to feel. Just be Minnie and be in the place you are when they come. It's so obvious that you loved your Mama so much. I'm sure your love was such a comfort to her. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fall54 Posted June 28, 2005 Share Posted June 28, 2005 Minnie, My sympathies to you and you're family. I agree you are shell shocked right now and when you are not numb anymore you will go through the stages of grief. When my Brother died it was 10 PM and the way he died was very comforting without pain and very peaceful and my other Brother and I felt he was where he needed to be and his suffering and anxiety were over. I slept without a problem that night and several nights afterwards as the family was all together but then it hit me and I had to start from the beginning with my grief. My 1st Husband also died at the young age of 29 in a car accident and I went through all the motions of a 28 yr old widow and Mother of 2 with very little outward emotion until the shock wore off. All I am trying to say is it is quite obvious how much you love you're Mother and who doesnt? I think everyone goes through the stages of grief, but we all do it a bit differently. Please know we are here to help you in any way we can if and when you need it. God Bless You All, Jane Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Donna G Posted June 28, 2005 Share Posted June 28, 2005 Minnie I am so sorry. I pray for peace for you and your family. Donna G Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nushka Posted June 28, 2005 Share Posted June 28, 2005 Minnie, I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your mother. I am sure you all did what she would have wanted. Prayers going up for you and your family's peace and comfort. Nina Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eileen Posted June 28, 2005 Share Posted June 28, 2005 Minnie, I am so very sorry for the loss of your dear Mom and the pain she had to go through. In sympathy, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sharyn Posted June 28, 2005 Share Posted June 28, 2005 Minnie, I am so very sorry. My thoughts are with you. Love, Sharon Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Patkid Posted June 28, 2005 Share Posted June 28, 2005 Minnie, Your post is woven with love for your mom and family. That love will see you through. Remember it, hold it and rejoice in it. May you feel your mother's peace. Love Brian and Pat Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dadstimeon Posted June 28, 2005 Share Posted June 28, 2005 Very sorry for your loss. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frank Lamb Posted June 28, 2005 Share Posted June 28, 2005 Minnie,sorry for the loss of your mother. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Connie B Posted June 28, 2005 Share Posted June 28, 2005 I'm very sorry for the loss of your wonderful mother. Prayers for comfort to you and your family. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lindseysmom Posted June 28, 2005 Share Posted June 28, 2005 I am so sorry for your loss. Best Wishes, Dee Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pammie Posted June 28, 2005 Share Posted June 28, 2005 Dear Minnie, I am very sorry to hear about your mom but am so very thankful she does not have to suffer any more. That is a blessing. Will be keeping you and your family in my prayers. pammie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cindi o'h Posted June 28, 2005 Share Posted June 28, 2005 Beautiful mother. Sorry for your loss. cindi o'h Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ann Posted June 28, 2005 Share Posted June 28, 2005 Minnie, I am so sorry for your loss. I will be keeping you and your family in my thoughts and prayers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bunny Posted June 28, 2005 Share Posted June 28, 2005 I'm so sorry for your terrible loss, but what a gift that you and your siblings were so present for her! I'm sure the feelings will come, just don't judge yourself for them - I was really hard on myself for what I thought were "bad" feelings when my mom was re-diagnosed a few weeks ago and everyone here assured me that there's no such thing are wrong on this journey. love and prayers to you, xoxo amie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fay A. Posted June 28, 2005 Share Posted June 28, 2005 I'm so sorry for your loss, Minnie. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Doughnut Posted June 28, 2005 Share Posted June 28, 2005 Minnie, I am so sorry for your loss. Losing a loved one is so painful but you and your family will be comforted, in time, from knowing that you did the right thing by her and her wishes. Dee Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest spiritual Posted June 28, 2005 Share Posted June 28, 2005 Feel what you need to feel. I want to remember your strength and words when I too need to step in to see my love one make that transition from one life to another. Bless you and your family Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tiny Posted June 28, 2005 Share Posted June 28, 2005 Minnie- The passing of a loved one is very emotional and private. There are no right or wrong responses. Your mother will always be in your heart and occasionally in your dreams. Please accept my condolences to you and all the family. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TAnn Posted June 28, 2005 Share Posted June 28, 2005 Minnie, My prayers are with you and your family. I am sorry for your loss. I can see how much you loved your mom. TAnn Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Elaine Posted June 28, 2005 Share Posted June 28, 2005 Minnie, I am so sorry. Pls allow your heart to swell with memories of your beloved mother. She lives on in this world in the hearts of those who loved her. She is never as far away as it can seem. love and fortitude elaine Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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