Mum has once again hit another level. It's been 2 weeks since she last had a sip of water. I didn't think she would make it through that weekend so I contacted my family and advised them to come. They did and were shocked when they saw mum. They were also sure that mum would pass that weekend. That was on the 4th of July. By some miracle - if it can be described as one- mum is still with us. The DN's and Palliative nurses have no idea what to make of it. She is functioning on a very basic level, heart, lungs, kidneys are still operating, but she has not been responsive for weeks. Her breathing has gone from erratic to laboured. She's had large pauses between breathes (longest so far 24 seconds) but for the past 2 days it has all settled down and become very even. If you didn't know anything about her you would just think she was a frail old lady having a sleep. I'm glad she appears to be comfortable.
In my mind I'd geared myself up to thinking that once she had lost the ability to swallow and could not take on board any liquid then it would be a few days...now it's weeks. Didn't think was possible for a healthy person to last longer than 10 days without water let alone a person with mums condition. Throughout this journey with my mother hasn't been very predictable. So no one is surprised that she going against the grain now. I have to laugh to stop myself from crying.
She is a little fighter. I say little because there really is nothing left. Mum is so frail. Her body is breaking down - sores have started to appear everywhere. It's hard to contain.
I'm surprised her GP has not been to visit for nearly 2 weeks or even call to see how she is. He last saw her on the 3rd and along with everyone else gave me "the look". So I knew what stage she was going into. Still he said he might pop in today (which didn't) or Friday, but that was only because I called him to ask what I should do with regards to ordering mums dressings and other bits and pieces. I also wanted advice on how to maintain the sores...he didn't come up with anything.
Anyway, I digress. Thought I would just share the fact that my amazing mother continues to be just that. I think she'll carry on until the weekend if not longer. Wow...or as I keep asking the good Lord and anyone else that'll listen...WHY???
Feel at a bit of a loose end and I know she'll catch me off guard. My big sis has been here since that first weekend and when Marie Curie are not here we split the night sits between us. I'm tired and restless. I feel trapped, but too scared to leave the house. Don't want her to go alone, but it may not be avoidable. Lots of people say that mum's not ready or that she is waiting for someone - I wish I knew who otherwise this is going to be very long wait!
No idea what else to say really so I'll wish you a pleasant, well rested and peaceful evening.
Take care xx
In my mind I'd geared myself up to thinking that once she had lost the ability to swallow and could not take on board any liquid then it would be a few days...now it's weeks. Didn't think was possible for a healthy person to last longer than 10 days without water let alone a person with mums condition. Throughout this journey with my mother hasn't been very predictable. So no one is surprised that she going against the grain now. I have to laugh to stop myself from crying.
She is a little fighter. I say little because there really is nothing left. Mum is so frail. Her body is breaking down - sores have started to appear everywhere. It's hard to contain.
I'm surprised her GP has not been to visit for nearly 2 weeks or even call to see how she is. He last saw her on the 3rd and along with everyone else gave me "the look". So I knew what stage she was going into. Still he said he might pop in today (which didn't) or Friday, but that was only because I called him to ask what I should do with regards to ordering mums dressings and other bits and pieces. I also wanted advice on how to maintain the sores...he didn't come up with anything.
Anyway, I digress. Thought I would just share the fact that my amazing mother continues to be just that. I think she'll carry on until the weekend if not longer. Wow...or as I keep asking the good Lord and anyone else that'll listen...WHY???
Feel at a bit of a loose end and I know she'll catch me off guard. My big sis has been here since that first weekend and when Marie Curie are not here we split the night sits between us. I'm tired and restless. I feel trapped, but too scared to leave the house. Don't want her to go alone, but it may not be avoidable. Lots of people say that mum's not ready or that she is waiting for someone - I wish I knew who otherwise this is going to be very long wait!
No idea what else to say really so I'll wish you a pleasant, well rested and peaceful evening.
Take care xx
