On 10/4/2005 gi gi wrote:
My mother just got the horrible news today that she has pancreatic cancer. She saw her father die of the same disease 30 years ago and she has always lived in fear of cancer. She is 62 and very young and active for her age. We don't know what type or stage the cancer is as we are waiting for her to see a specialist. I don't know if I am strong enough for what lies ahead. My daughter passed away 2 years ago this Sept 23rd. I haven't come to terms with her passing yet. The worst part that I remember when Grandpa had this cancer was seeing him waste away quickly before my eyes. I don't want my mom to go this way! I am afraid of what she might experience in the time she has left. She is confused about what to do. She doesn't want to suffer through chemo. Her symptoms are upper right abdominal and back pain, weight loss, and fatigue. She says she hasn't felt good for almost a year. I feel so helpless. Gi Gi
Gi Gi,
I sympathize with you. First it was my grandmother, and then her son, my father. My father foundout May 4, 2007. We found through surgery that it had already spread to his liver. He is now at home with hospice. We have already seen the decrease in body weight and the weakness. Please remember that the process is about your loved one, and you must do what you can to help him or her through this terrible journey. My dad has good days and bad days. Sometimes he has water, ensure or boost. Other times he wants nothing. The hardest part is seeing what the morphine is doing to him. He is in a fog that may never lift. My dad has always been articulate, logical, and decisive. He is now anything but these three qualities.
Prayer helps, as does patience.