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Mum terminal, no more treatment

Ddanielle
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My mum was diagnosed with a stage 1 uterine sarcoma in November last year. They did surgery and found out that it had spread to her bowel and couldn't remove all of it and said she had 12 months to live. She had alot of chemo and the tumor was shrinking Fast forward to now and she is still fighting but it has spread to her lungs,bladder and brain.

They have now said that there will be no more treatment. She has lost the feeling in her right side and cannot speak or think as she did before due to where the brain tumor is located. She has been in hospital for a few weeks and is finally coming home today. We had to practically beg the hospital to let her home as this is her only wish, to pass in her own home. 

She has also started asking about a syringe driver being fitted as she is in alot of pain even with morphine increases. I'm just worried that the end is very close, especially if a driver gets fitted. She has a lot of children and grandchildren whom love her and we aren't ready to say our goodbyes. 

Could anybody share experiences with drivers please

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    Hi ... oh my, it's so hard especially at this time of year ... she must be in a lot of pain to ask for a driver .. no one can tell you how long as everyone is different .. we lost my amazing niece in May to Simerla sercomstances...  all I can say is make the most of every minute ... they say hearing is the last thing they loose, so keep telling her those lovely thoughts of love and hold her hand ... I think that's what we'd all like at these times ... 

    My heart goes out to you .. hold on to loved ones and help each other through ... sending you a vertual hug... Chrissie x x 

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    The only thing I can share is when my mum was uncomfortable and agitated the nurses told me that syringe drivers were no worse at hastening death than someone being in constant pain which my make them give up quicker. So I'd say much more important to be pain free. Syringe driver slow and steady infusion rather than one large amount of pain relief in one go too

  • Offline in reply to Frankie65

    Thanks all for your reassuring and kind words. We have all been round to mums this evening so she can watch the little ones open their presents,it's been a lovely but emotional time.

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    Im sorry to hear your news, its very difficult, My Father passed away 18 th Nov he had bowel cancer that had also gone to his liver- no more treatment could be done... He had a week in hospital, two weeks in the hospice- the hospice staff were amazing- they fitted a syringe driver- this administered pain relief 24 hrs - pain relief was also topped up when needed ( twice nightly near the end) .. We got Dad home & hospice nurses attended when needed & Mum looked after him well... I hope you get her home , & make her as comfortable as possible- yiur all in my thoughts- Say all you want to say n try be greatful for the good times xxx 

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    Mum passed away peacefully at 8.09pm on 4th January. We are devastated but know she is no longer suffering. She was so brave until the end and my dad has been amazing caring for her so she could get her wish and pass in her own home.

  • Offline in reply to Ddanielle

    I feel so sad reading your posts on here, and I'm truly sorry for your loss. Stay strong!

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    Hi,

    May I first offer my condolences for your loss.

    My other reason for posting is my experience of having a syringe driver which may help others. I've been on palliative care/end of life since Sept/2022 and have had a syringe driver fitted since then. I love it.

    It gives a continuous dose of pain relief throughout 24 hours with no peaks or troughs, allows for better absorbsion (I have a colostomy) and saves having to swallow tablets. 

    It also means I'm monitored daily by the palliative care team who are sorting my bedsores as well.

    Although I've come close to dying a few times, I appear to be getting stronger in general, such that I've been asked if I wanted the driver removed.

    I said no.

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