Aunt is dying of cancer

Hello everyone, I've been lurking in the background for a wee while but you all seem lovely so here goes...

 

My aunt was diagnosed with lung cancer last year. We were told in October that it had metastasised to her brain. She underwent palliative radiotherapy and was doing ok until the new year when her lung collapsed. 4 weeks ago she then deteriorated then rallied. At that point she was transferred to a hospice. Slowly but surely she has been declining and today she fell into a deep sleep and hasnt woken up. I am scared that we are nearing the end and am very worried about my mum as she is her only sibling. My mum also lost her mum only 9 months ago. It just feels so futile and too soon to be going through this again. My husband is working away and my siblings are based elsewhere just now so I think im just a bit overwhelmed and didnt want to burden mum with how I'm feeling. Does anyone have a similar experience with this type of cancer? I fear we are at the point no one wants to get to and it's just a bit soon.

Thank you for reading. Xx 

  • Hello Sparkles86

    I noticed that you'd not had a response to your post so just wanted to pop by and say that we're thinking of you all and we're here if you need to chat to someone. 

    Best wishes, 
    Jenn
    Cancer Chat moderator

  • Hi there!

     

    I've just posted myself regarding my mom but u went through this with my Aunt until November last.

     

    I so feel for you. I saw alot I wish I hadn't that I found so difficult. My aunt had bowel cancer and eventually went to a hospice.where she was well considering for so long. In fact she didn't mind being there. 

     

    Near the end my aunt got a little confused which was normal..slept alot..vommited alot and just in general started to fade. It was horrific to watch. She had 2 bad weeks before she faded away.

     

    It is a traumatizing situation and I can understand completely how you feel right now. It's the not knowing when..will we be by her side..have I said all I need to? It's hell. I held her hand, kept her lips moist, did anything I could to help. That is all you can do. I assured my aunt we would be there and I reassured her of this while she was still well enough so she knew she would not be alone. She had no kids so I was the closest thing. My mom has now the same illness diagnosed last week and it's terminal and I am in a state of shock. While her sister was dieing and she was being there for her my poor mom had the same cancer growing all along without knowing!

     

    I pray for youvto get through this horrific time. Just hold her hand x