I’m so frightened

Hello. Me and my mum are nursing my Nan at home. She has terminal cancer. 

I think we’re close to the end now. Her breathing is ratty, she’s unconscious and she hasn’t eaten in days.

 

im so scared we’re doing something wrong. Maybe she’ll wake up if she comes off the morphine? Maybe I didn’t tell her I loved her enough. I feel so lonely and I’m so scared, I don’t want her to suffer.

 

 

  • Firstly you have done nothing wrong, so please get that out of your head. You and your Mum are exceptional people for looking after your Nan in her time of need. It is not easy being the near relative of someone who has Cancer, I know, I lost both my parents to this disease. The best thing you can do for her is to make sure she is in no pain, so keep up the Morphine. If you think her time is near have you got in touch with her GP with a view to getting her into Hospital? They are equipped to look after as well. I am sure you and your Mum have done a great job looking after her though. Do not blame yourself for the natural outcome of her condition, do not think you could have made her better, we don't come with Magic Wands sadly. You and your Mum need to look after each other afterwards and don't allow your grief stop you both from living. Take care.

  • Thank you for replying. It’s just such a scary time. She’s chosen to die at home with us, we’re getting amazing support from the community team.

     

    its just so scary to watch unfold. Her breathing scares me but we were told this is part of the process. I just so want her not to be in pain. Wish I had a magic wand but unfortunately I don’t. Feels so unfair sometimes 

     

    xx

  • Hi Hannah. I'm sure you are doing everything just right for your dear nan. It's not too late to tell her that you love her. The sense of hearing is the last sense to go. Even if nan can't talk and is deeply unconscious, she can still hear you. Stay strong. I know how you are feeling (I lost my husband to cancer 19 years ago when he was just 31. Look at my post titled " don't be afraid I've seen where you go and it's beautiful " on dying with cancer list. Thinking of you all x

  • Thank you for your response, I’ll look now, unfortunately I lost my lovely lady last week. Miss her so much xxxx

  • Oh Hanna I'm so sorry to hear that you have lost your nan. Isn't it horrible :-(.  I lost both my Nan's :-(