Hi there,
First, it sounds as if your mother has had a brave, long, arduous fight on her hands. But the fact remains is that fights must end sometime. I have been in your shoes on several occasions. First, it was my Dad, who at age 72 didn't want to live, so he passed from a non-cancer related disease. Next, it was my first husband, who chose NOT to fight his cancer. He passed from prostate cancer though he also had ALS -- more commonly known as Lou Gehrig's Disease -- so it was actually nip-and-tuck which malady would taken him first. Now I'm caring for my second husband who has colon cancer. I hope he will fight -- and he seems to be fighting this disease very well and giving it all he's got. He wants to live. But if the day ever should come that he's had enough and doesn't want to push on, I must respect his wishes. Indeed, all life is terminal and we all most go eventually. Your mother sounds as if she's been a true fighter. But sadly, this sounds like she's just had enough and now it's time for you to tell her that you love her, hug her lots, and respect her wishes. Indeed, if I ever have cancer again (I'm a kidney cancer survivor) and I feel that I've had enough -- that is, I TRUELY FEEL THAT I'VE HAD ENOUGH -- I trust my children will hug me, tell me that they love me, and then let me go. If they don't do that, it will just make the going all the much harder... and we all must go someday.
Paula Jean