Struggling with loss of my mum

Hi this is likely to be a ramble,sorry.

My mum was the most massive part of my life, I went everywhere with her. I saw her every day for 46 years without fail unless I was on holiday and even then I would ring her everyday

. She was diagnosed with terminal pancreatic cancer in January 21. It was a shock, at the time the drs told us she was likely to only have 9 weeks. She moved in with me and my family as she was really unwel to begin with. It was hard but also really lovely to have her so close.

My mum was so strong, she was 80 but had worked up to the day of her diagnosis, her outlook on life was so get up and go, she was an inspiration. She smashed the 9 week barrier and was stronger than ever.

But in October I was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer. I didn't know how to feel, I was scared but put it right to the back of my mind. Had the op in November and waited for the radiotherapy. It was a long wait but I was due to start in February. During this time mum and I argued quite a lot, she was obviously upset by not being able to help me and also the fact that she knew she was getting more poorly, and I was angry that the breast cancer had come along. The strain on my partner and daughter was also becoming difficult.
The week before I started treatment my mum caught covid. I feel so awful, I couldn't sit with her or spend time with her because I had been told catching covid would mean I couldn't have my treatment and I was scared. Also though having that space between us helped me realise again how much I needed her.

About 1 week after covid she was taken into hospital with an abscess on her liver. She was really poorly, she was in hospital for nearly 3 weeks, she wanted to come home but didn't get well enough. 

I went to see her as normal in the hospital one evening, she was weak and in and out of sleep. I feel awful that I didn't stay there with her but I felt I needed to get back home for my daughter as she was struggling with what was going on. The next morning the hospital called to say her breathing had changed and I should come to see her. She never regained consciousness but I was with her holding her hand when she passed.

It's been nearly 8 months now, luckily no sign of the breast cancer, but I feel totally lost. I never knew your heart could actually really feel broken. It's a pain like nothing else that jumps at you out of nowhere. I cry most days, I feel guilty that she was alone when she had covid and alone her last night in hospital. I just don't know how to make that better. I love and miss her so much, how does it get better?

sorry I said it would be a ramble!

 

  • A very warm welcome to the forum Claire although I'm really sorry to hear your mum passed away.  You have our deepest and heartfelt sympathies for your loss.

    I can really tell from your post just how close and strong your bond was so I can't begin to imagine how hard life has been without your mum but I'm glad you've joined us as our members will understand what you're going through at the moment and hopefully you will receive some support, advice and comfort from them soon.

    Coping with grief is very difficult and presents many challenges along the way, but if you can, try to be kind to yourself and take things one day at a time. You did all you could for your mum so please don't feel guilty for what you weren't able to do. Instead, try to remind yourself of all the things you did manage to do for her. She knew how much you loved her and I have no doubt she was so grateful to have such a wonderful daughter looking after her and being there to hold her hand at the end.

    I know I can't take away the pain of losing your mum Claire, but I hope it helps to know we're thinking of you and sending all our strength and support your way at this very difficult time.

    Kind regards,

    Steph, Cancer Chat Moderator

  • Hi Claire, 

    First of all I am so sorry for the loss of your Mum and to hear of your own challenge you have faced. You sound like an incredibly strong lady and I can only imagine having you around with your Mum during her passing gave her immense comfort. 
     

    I have re-surfaced on this forum as I lost my Mum too almost two years ago to ovarian cancer. Her anniversary is approaching and your post struck a chord with me as when I think back to how I felt 8 months after my Mum's death and I completely empathise with you. 
     

    I would be lying if I told you things got easier, it isn't the right word however what I have found is that grief changes. The grief that is at the forefront of your mind at the moment does, in time, compartmentalise itself. There are still days that I struggle to function and days that I cry for my Mum and days that just seem unbearable, but they do pass. 
     

    The only advice I can give to you at this point is to remember all of your feelings right now are completely valid, let them happen and don't feel you have to be doing anything differently. On the days it happens, allow yourself to feel happiness and most importantly don't put too much pressure on yourself. 
     

    Greif is an endless journey but if I can speak from my own experience it does alter a little as time goes on. I really hope in time you can take some comfort from the fact you were holding your Mum's hand as she passed. 
     

    Catherine x