Journey's end

I joined this forum just a few short days ago after a friend sent me the link. My journey with Mum and her liver cancer has been a very short one. Our diagnosis came too late for anything other than palliative care.My family and I have made the most of our time together. No questions, basically because there aren't any answers just talking about all the joy we've had in our lives together.

In the last two days following our early Christmas festivities Mum has deteriorated very quickly. I thing she was just hanging on for Christmas. Jules54 thank you such for your kind words. 

Mum is sleeping most of the time now her pain became ch worse so she's now on much stronger pain relief . This has worked she's clearly very comfortable which is all we can do for her now.

This beast within is taking her away from us so so quickly. I'm glad I made the decision to take the time off work to look after her. It's helped me to cope knowing I'm helping Mum. It's not something everyone can do I know, I didn't think I would be able to and I'm a qualified nurse. For those out there on this run away steam train give it a try it may help.

My heart felt love to all on this forum. Thank you all so much for your support.

  • Hi

    Just want to drop you a virtual 'hug' asI have some idea of what you and the family and going through. It is a relief to know our loved ones are being kept comfortable and relatively pain free.  My hubby coped extremely well with home care/community nurses but know it is not for everyone. As you say your time with Mum adn the cancer has been tragically brief but I understand how it helps to know you are there for her and making lasting memories are worth their weight in gold for the future (they hard to imagine just now).

    The forum is certainly a good place to gain support at any time  you need it.  Take care  Jules x

  • Thank you. I'm greatful in some ways that our time with Mum and her cancer has been brief. The emotional trauma this beast within her has caused all of us is so intense my heart goes out to all that have to live with this anguise for longer than we have. 

    Mum told us when we were given her diagnosis there were to no tears. Yea right,like that was ever going to happen.

    Talk about an emotional roller coaster. We will survive this I know we will, I  just don't know how yet.

     

     

     

  • We all find some way to cope with the emotional deluge that a terminal diagnosis brings to the whole family and tears become the natural release valve (I never found it that easy to shed them unti cancer rocked our lives).  Being a qualified nurse does not make it any easier  to face the emotions whirlpool but being able to offer your Mum your love and company will bring much comfort to her and you.  My heart goes out to you all. I see from the time of your recent post that you may well be on nightwatch depending on where you are in the world. Sending virtual hugs. Jules

  • Hi Jules54,

    Mum's cancer train reached its final destination

     at 03.20 this morning. My Dad Sister and I were with her. All Mum ever asked for was a painfree peaceful end in her own home with us around her. It was our privelidge to be able to grant her last wish. Thank you for being out there for me. When I'm feeling a little stronger I hope I can do the same for someone. God Bless you.

  • My condolences to you and the family at the loss of your Mum. I hope in time being with her during her final days will bring some small comfort. Hugs.Jules

  • thank you again my lovely. 

  • Hello,

    I was moved to reply after reading your thread, firstly I am so sorry for the loss of your Mum. 

    I'm also going through a similar situation with my Mum who has breast cancer which has now spread to her bones and skull. This is now affecting her face, eye and hearing and is really painful for her which is probably the most distressing bit about it for me. Seeing my own Mum in agony is absolute torture, but seeing her disfigurement and knowing I'll never see her smile again is just as bad.

    I've made the choice to halve my working hours so I can be there more to help mum and dad, dad is struggling to cope, as am I if I'm honest.

    I just wanted to reach out and share what I'm going through, partly to let you know you aren't alone, but also to try and preserve my own sanity whilst I'm living in this waking nightmare.

    Xx