Feeling guilty

My mother is in the final stages of cancer. Started in her lung, then spread to her liver and now her bones. She is being cared for at home by my dad and myself. Me, my husband and our 2 little girls (4 yr old and 8 months) moved in with them (we live 4 hours away) a few weeks ago as it was becoming too much for my dad, and as I'm currently on Maternity leave and my hubby works from home, so it made more sense for me to come and help than my brothers who are working full time. 

Anyway the district nurses have been trying to convince my mum to have a catheter for about a month now because getting her out of bed and to the comode was drastically affecting her breathing, she would struggle for breath for nearly an hour after and physically it was getting impossible to do - and it had become a 2 man job, but she was refusing blankly to have one fitted. Anyway the DN asked if I would try and convince her, and yesterday I managed to do so and she had one fitted. 

This morning it occurred to her what would happen if she needed a poo (she has only had 2 since I have been here and the nurses don't think she is very likely to again as she hasn't eaten anything in 3 days). When we explained that we would try and get her on the comode or we could put a pad, she started crying. 

I feel so guilty for convincing her to get the catheter, and her losing her dignity is all my fault. 

I hate this all, it's so so cruel

 

  • Hi Welshgirl11,

    Welcome to Cancer Chat. I'm so sorry to hear what your mother is going through. I can only imagine how hard this must be for her and also all of you. You're doing an amazing thing by being there to care for her, especially as it sounds like you have a lot going on with your family also.

    Don't beat yourself up about what you're doing - it sounds like it was the right call to get the catheter, based on the advice from the district nurse and the practicalities of it all.

    You're right in saying that it is cruel, and there are so many parts of this that must be tough. But keep doing what you can and also having faith that you're doing the right things.

    Do also be sure that you're getting support for yourself too - by taking time for yourself where you can, by speaking to others around you, and hopefully this forum can also act as a small support for you. We're always here to listen and it can sometimes simply be helpful to write things down.

    Wishing you all the best,

    Ben
    Cancer Chat Moderator

  • Hi welshgirl11.  Do not feel guilty one bit. It's hard for someone who's been independant to suddenly have to rely on family for help, especailly when it comes to the bathroom things. Just reasure your mum it's for the best, and that regardless of what's happening you are doing it because you love her. and will continue to do so.

    I became my wifes full time carer, when thing began to go wrong. We alread knew my wife  had brittle bones. and had broken that many bones. I was always lifting her. then last May she had to go to hospital. she heard a bone like snap in her thigh. took a while for the hospital to get her on an MRI scanner. it was discovered she had broke a thigh bone also her hip had been dislodged. all down to aggressive cancer.

    We brought her home for end of life care from the diagnosis to her passing away it was 6 weeks. she was bed bound.. We were given a plastic potty, we tried to roll her put the potty uner and roll her back.. In the end we used the pads, it was less painful for her. I know the cares did a good job.  even though at the time I hated it. I know you say you have brothers,  If you ask them to come visit they won't feel left out.

    My thoughts go out to you and your family.