Thank you, nitram, Prudence and nita.
The doctor’s recommendations have now been carried out. At eleven o’clock this morning, a district nurse set up a syringe driver to deliver doses of midazolam (a calmative), diamorphine (pain relief) and an anti-emetic ( to counter queasiness caused by morphine). A nurse has also said she'll try to speed up the recommendation that Mum get an airflow mattress to guard against pressure sores – my sister is keeping her eye on these.
Mum is calmer, but her breathing is laboured, and unfortunately she hasn’t been alert enough to be able to swallow food or drink today – it is pooling in her mouth, and would be dangerous if she can’t swallow.
I am keeping out of my sister's way as it is better for Mum (who’s very tired) and for the carers to be dealing with one member of the family at a time, but my sister is emailing me or phoning me at regular intervals to keep me abreast, and I am ready to go in if Mum is in immediate danger.
My sister goes home tomorrow afternoon – or that was her plan originally.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
PS I did pop in briefly this afternoon and had a small talk with my sister, who pointed out that Mum is now on the airflow mattress. She had wondered if oxygen therapy would help, but the district nurse said it wouldn't help at this point. Mum was breathing heavily and not very aware, but more peaceful than when I saw her last.