On 1/10/2008 Winediamond wrote:
My mother who is 82 years young and a 3x a week student of THAI CHAI has been showing signs of unwellness for the past 12 months. Maintaining a 4-month scheduled appointments with her GP, they were doing the medication adjustments to see if her tolerance was a factor. Mom's prescription meds are very view and at the minimal dose level-thyroid, colestoral drugs and vitamins-that's it. She had to stop her physical activities due to dizziness and unexplained exhaustion about a month ago. Tests have confirmed Stomach Cancer and more are scheduled to determine if a spread is occuring. All non-invasive by my insistance. I am realistic with the path that lies ahead--COMFORT and LOVE and nothing more--Ensure drinks and blender food is obvious, but in the palliative relm is there more I could do for her before I seek a team of palliative personnel. My prayers go out to all of you who are fighting this. Mom was so pleased to go from 120 to 108 pounds(5') and her designer jeans looked to sweet on her. Little did we know. Still this memory will always be special. God's Strength to you all.
I don't know you or your mother but, your description of her fitting into her designer jeans brought a smile to my face. I am sorry that you and your mom are faced with this disease. I pray that she finds all the comfort she needs.
When my mom was at home and I was her main caretaker the first thing I made sure to get was an adjustable bed. My mom could not lay flat and needed to have her upper body elevated.
I knew nothing of how to care for a patient nearing the end of life and I tell you it really helped talking with nurses who have. We had nurses that came into our home once a day and they advised us on things that could make my mom's current life easier. I know we had a portable toilet in her bedroom for times when she did not have the strength to get to the bathroom.
There are lots of practical things a nurse can help you with but, I know what made my mom feel the best was just spending some quiet time with those who mattered the most to her. We sometimes would just sit and hold hands while she relaxed. I am sure those are the things she would say helped her the most.
I think it is great that you are seeking out advice. I wish I had more for you.