She is very weak and I'm alone & scared. I've been told she prob won't last a lot longer her heart will prob just stop, she is always usually very sensible & now she seems so confused and all her words are mixed up and not making sense . I have no one to turn to can anyone help with advice who has been in a similar situation. She has been weak & going downhill over the past couple of weeks. thank you
My Mom [98] was in the hospital, had delirium, and refused to eat. The lack of eating went on for a month, and having an urinary tract infection made it much worst, once the infection was cleared she had a turn around regarding food and is now eating solid food. This could be temporary or it last for many months.
My sister found comfort in this kind of treatment during her last chemo session. It's a noninvasive method of channeling healing energy to someone.
At first I didn't put much stock in it, but my sister was able to relax with a Reiki therapist and asked me to find her and get her to visit during her last days in the hospital.
Do you know of any support groups like Gilda's Club in the UK? This poster might benefit from contact with one.
0808 808 00 00 Mon to ~Fri 9-8
In the States, there's a network of clubhouses which offer a variety of supports - groups addressing specific cancers, pot luck suppers, musical and art therapy, and it's all free.
When I went there after my sister died, I met so many people who knew exactly what we had gone through. But it can be very, very emotional as some of the people who go there aren't going to make it and are in late stage cancer.
I wish you and your family peace as you travel this unwanted detour in life.
I would ask the oncologist or primary care physician, or whoever's managing your mother's care about specific questions that you have (write them down first and ask from the list so you cover everything that concerns you). At least that way you'll get a better idea of the situation your mother's in.
Are you concerned about hospice care? About costs? About handling a funeral?
You could ask one of the nurses if there's a social worker on staff who could talk to you.
Your mother could be confused from the medication she's given, or from the cancer if its metastasized to her brain.
You might ask one of the nurses if there's a counselor for cancer patients specifically.
What kind of cancer does she have, and what stage is it?