Mum's final weeks

Hello everyone. I've decided to post something as I've drawn a lot of comfort (and inspiration) from reading other people's comments over the last few months. I hope my story will be read by others seeking answers or just curious to know other people are experiencing the same feelings/emotions as them.

My mum was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer almost 2 years ago. She's one of the lucky ones (if I can call her that). Given the poor survival rate for people with pancreatic cancer, it's fair to say I expected mum to have passed away months after her diagnosis.

Since her diagnosis, it has been a rollercoaster emotionally. Mum started treatment straightaway, although she was initially reluctant (stubborn more like!). Thankfully she responded well and treatment continued for over a year. 

But we always knew the time would come when the cancer would lose control and take over. We're at that stage now. Mum stopped treatment about 3 months ago and is deteriorating with surprising speed. It's awful to see her in such pain and her medication makes her very drowsy and confused at times. 

We've no idea how long she might have left, but with such a depressed appetite it's likely to be weeks.

 

  • Hi there ...

    So so sorry your going through this heartbraking time... yes your mum's a real trooper holding on like she has .. all of us on this journey know these feelings ... but you have had so many months of memories... though they are never enough ... 

    Now this is your mum's last journey and you know having someone to hold our hand on that journey means more then you'll ever know ... just take every day as it comes ... tell her all that's in your heart .. listen to her if she needs to talk about after , which is really hard, l remember having that conversation with my beautiful mum years ago ... l was so glad I listened so I could carry out those wishes ...

    I know your heart must be braking ... and it's o.k to feel scared ... angry at cancer .. and to SHARE tears .. it's all part of loosing someone we adore ... it's only when we hold feelings in,  they become overwhelming... 

    Always keep the picture of mum before cancer in your head ... because cancer will try to replace those happy memories with the last part of this journey ... it wants to make you a victim too ... don't let it .. I'm on my cancer journey... and the last thing I'll do, is stick two fingers up to cancer.... 

    So live in the moment ... never stop talking to her ... that's the last thing to go ... our hearing ... and she'll live forever in your heart... you will take her with you on your journey through life .. you are half of her .. so sending you both a vertual hug... Chrissie

  • Thanks Chrissie. You make a good point about thinking about the good memories - it's so important.

    Sorry to hear you're on your own cancer journey, but it's great to see you are so determined to "stick two fingers up to it". I think that's a great attitude. I know some people don't like to use the words 'fight' or 'battle' when it comes to describing their experience with cancer, but sometimes it does feel like a person or thing that has to be fought off.