Update on my Mom

I said I would post about what is going on with my Mom so hear it is. Most of you know she came to live with me almost 7 weeks ago. She was in Hospice House for 2 weeks before she came here. In the last 2 weeks her health has declined to the point that I no longer understand how she is living. We had to put a catheter in 2 weeks ago and that made her a little more comfortable because I was having to change her sheets several times a day, which caused a lot of pain for her. In case you don't know, she has end-stage COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) and post-herpetic neuralgia from shingles 6 years ago. She has been in acute pain for the last 6 years and that is why it is such a task to change her linens or make her move at all. Anyway, last Tuesday she quit eating and drinking and taking her medicine. She is on liquid morphine and methadone for the pain, among a host of other medications. Wednesday, Hospice came in and said she would probably die within the next day or two but surely by the weekend. She was still somewhat responsive when we would talk to her. She would nod her head or move her hands. Well, as of Sunday she has been in a near-comatose state. She only vaguely responds to pain and nothing else. I am able to give her liquid morphine, liquid methadone, and crushed up ativan. She is resting comfortably as far as I can tell. It seems like the only thing working right now is her heart, which is beating very fast. I'm not sure how much longer she will hold on and I pray it won't be much longer. Basically, that's why I haven't been online much lately. I'm extremely tired right now from keeping a vigil by her bed for the last week or so. I just want her to go peacefully and quickly. If you could say a prayer asking God to bring her home I would appreciate it. I'll keep you informed as to what is going on. Hugs and love to all, Susan

Susan, We will all be thinking of you and your mom and praying for the family. I wish I could give you a real hug and some real help. I cannot imagine how hard it must be on you but I know your mother is so thankful for all the care and love you have given her. You are a wonderful daughter and a wonderful person. CeCe

Thank you CeCe. You're so kind. It is hard but everything will be okay soon. Thanks for the prayers! Susan

Susan - We are praying for her and you. Trudy

I will definitely keep your mom in my prayers.... HUGS to YOU, Shawn M.

What you are doing is a beautiful thing. I'm sure your mother feels a lot of comfort being in your home. When the time comes you will know that you have done everything that you could and she can pass on knowing that she was loved. God bless you and your family. Wanda

Susan, God Bless you! You are a real trooper. Your mother must know how lucky she is and how much she is loved. That is why she is resting comfortably even without her medications. There is nothing more loving than taking care of someone in their time of need. Your family is in my prayeres. Hugs, Valorie

Hi everyone. I just wanted to let you know that God has answered my prayers and he called Mom to His house this morning around 4am. I was sleeping with her when she left peacefully. Thank you all so much for your prayers and well wishes. I am so sad that her physical body (beautiful smile, gorgeous thick hair, warm eyes) aren't here anymore but I am so grateful to have had the time I did with her. We are still making the final arrangements for her but we tentatively have Visitation scheduled for Friday evening and the funeral at 3:30pm on Saturday. Still working out all the details, which of course I have taken on. My Mom was a wonderful person, friend, wife, mother, sister, and provider. She was my sunshine and my biggest cheerleader. I know she is in a better place now although I will continue to miss her for a very long time. Please keep our family in your prayers. Hugs to all. Susan

Susan, I am so sorry for your loss. I cannot tell you how touched I am by what you have shared with us these past months. I know how hard this must be but I hope you are at peace about how you've handled a bad situation because you could not have done any more than what you did. I was wondering if you felt comfortable enough to post a picture of your mother on your profile. I know you are very busy right now but I would love to see a picture of her. How old was she? What did she like to do? Please take care of yourself while planning the arrangements and get back to us when you can. CeCe

Susan, I am so sorry for your loss. I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers. Hugs to you, Shawn M.