The last mile
I though I was ready for MIL to finish her journey but this is so hard. She’s dying of breast cancer which we chose not to treat. Hospice started morphine a few days ago. I never ever thought I would say this, but thank god for her dementia - she isn’t suffering and has no idea what’s happening to her. Although on some level I believe she’s getting ready to let go, she can go peacefully.
My husband and I left town Thursday, drove all day to visit family, got the call when we arrived Thursday evening that she was in a steep decline and on morphine. We’re due home Sunday night - I was going to turn around and drive home yesterday but the hospice nurse advised me not to change my plans. She said it would take a few days to adjust the morphine and that MIL is not “actively dying” Yet.
Comments
-
strength and peace to you and your MIL.
1 -
I am sorry. I hope she dies peacefully and painlessly.
0 -
Trust hospice. Take this time to be with the family you are with. As I’m finding out, this part takes a while, and it’s exhausting for the person and the caregivers. You’ve been with your MIL every step of the way. - inside she knows you care
5 -
Wishing for comfort and peace for her and you. Agree to trust hospice.
1 -
Prayers for you, your MiL and your family for a safe journey home and comfort, strength and peace in the days ahead.
3 -
(((Hugs))) for a peaceful transition.
1 -
Prayers for you, your family and your dear Mother-in-Law. Peace be with you.
0 -
Prayers for all of you. I'm glad that she's comfortable. Perhaps she chose a time when you both weren't nearby to begin this new transition.
1 -
@forbarbara I'm so sorry. I hope when she lets go it's peaceful and pain-free. And I agree about hospice - trust them.
0 -
so sorry. Hugs
0 -
@forbarbara
I'm thinking of you and yours today.
HB0 -
I remember watching my father die of cancer, and when the doctors told my mother it was time to let him go. I am so sorry.
0 -
May her transition be peaceful. Wishing you all the best, most gentle outcome.
1 -
Forbarbara - Sending you thoughts, prayers and the strength of lions. I am sorry. I am sure you have been a comfort to her and to those around you.
1
Commonly Used Abbreviations
DH = Dear Husband
DW= Dear Wife, Darling Wife
LO = Loved One
ES = Early Stage
EO = Early Onset
FTD = Frontotemporal Dementia
VD = Vascular Dementia
MC = Memory Care
AL = Assisted Living
POA = Power of Attorney
Read more
Categories
- All Categories
- 473 Living With Alzheimer's or Dementia
- 239 I Am Living With Alzheimer's or Other Dementia
- 234 I Am Living With Younger Onset Alzheimer's
- 14.1K Supporting Someone Living with Dementia
- 5.2K I Am a Caregiver (General Topics)
- 6.8K Caring For a Spouse or Partner
- 1.8K Caring for a Parent
- 156 Caring Long Distance
- 106 Supporting Those Who Have Lost Someone
- 11 Discusiones en Español
- 2 Vivir con Alzheimer u Otra Demencia
- 1 Vivo con Alzheimer u Otra Demencia
- 1 Vivo con Alzheimer de Inicio Más Joven
- 9 Prestación de Cuidado
- 2 Soy Cuidador (Temas Generales)
- 6 Cuidar de un Padre
- 22 ALZConnected Resources
- View Discussions For People Living with Dementia
- View Discussions for Caregivers
- Discusiones en Español
- Browse All Discussions
- Dementia Resources
- 6 Account Assistance
- 16 Help