h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

indeed!

. .

Mum has lost 6lb since March, this after constant weight last year and the year before. There's a bowel problem I won't go into and she is not remembering anything. As in, I leave the room and when I go back in she will ask me how I am, same as she did when I arrived. Her appetite is not good and I noticed yesterday how cold she was to the touch (she is usually warmer than me). Her INR result was 3.1 last week, Warfarin reduced by GP again, previous week it was 3.0, it's been constant between 2.2 & 2.8 for months...

During her awake moments she is singing old songs, and an old favourite is Drink to me only, she knows all the words too.

Best to her.

Mum's INR is back within normal range - 2.5,

Unfortunately her weight has dropped 4lbs in 10 days, she's now 7st 9lbs. Her appetite is not good. She insists she is not in any pain. Still bleeding from back passage, though. My sister wants me to call the GP tomorrow but I will only have the exact same conversation I had with him a fortnight ago, he was unwilling to sanction any medical intervention - seeing as she isn't in any pain I have to agree.

On the lighter side, I picked my youngest up today and took him along for a visit with his grandma. When she saw him, she said, "Hello, aren't you tall! How are you getting on at school?" We all laughed - he's 24.

Lots going on chez mama. She reported some excruciating pain in her tummy while in bed, so I rang GP again and took her to see a nice lady GP who gave her a full examination, much to Mum's disdain as it was her first ever rectal exam! GP discussed DNR and end-of-life care so I organised a family meeting with my 3 siblings, over fish & chips, which took place last Tuesday.
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10155186933146185&set=a.10150525217216185.367880.655656184

We all agreed, so medication has been withdrawn on the advice of the GP (and a second opinion). Thankfully the pain episode has not been repeated but the bleeding from the bottom has changed to black clots, and it smells vile. I fear her bowels have collapsed. Mum's appetite is non-existent and she sleeps 9/10ths of the day. We have let all the family know - Allan, his wife and the boys came on Sunday, all of Yvonne's children have visited, my Laura & Andrew have been 2 or 3 times. My niece Jennifer is due with a baby anytime, but she is prepared to travel from Nottingham as soon as she is able post-birth. Keith & Mo have been twice in the last month. My sister organised the Vicar to visit on Monday and not only did Mum get her Holy Communion but he anointed her with oil as well, which meant a lot, and the prayers were lovely. Mum's weight is down to 7st 6lbs now, she was 7st 8lbs last week.

I really want her to go before the pain comes back, please God. I have already watched one person I loved die an agonising death this year and I don't know if I can go through it again.

Give your mum a hug from the quiet American lady, as well...

Bless her heart, tell her she's a star in that picture, along with a very handsome family.

Prayers your way.

Wow, this year My thoughts are with you and your family.



Deb

Thanks everyone.

Mum is on morphine now.

I'm on edge because my other 3 siblings have all booked holidays between next week and next month (2 of them over Mum's birthday) and I am going to have to manage whatever life deals me without their input or support. Good job I have my older daughter on call and only 5 minutes away.

Hugs, as always, my dear <

Thank you I wonder if you could email me your mobile number, please

I thought wrong. Both of my daughters are going away - #1 on 29 Sept for 3 weeks and #2 on her belated honeymoon to Bali on the 30th Sept for 2 weeks.

So, I'll check the lifeboats and buckets for holes, shall I? 'Cos I'll be bailing alone

Wow, that's spectacularly bad timing

You've coped with so much, I'm sure you'll cope with this, but it's very hard on you.

Deb

That's awful. You shouldn't have to go through this alone.

GB! apart from being a fantastic person you are also a POWERHOUSE! and don't you forget it ok

I've met you and I know the inner strength you have

My mother passed away this afternoon, blissfully painfree and dreaming of my Dad

The funeral is on Friday 20th October at 11.30am, according to her wishes it will be a church service with full burial following. The Vicar is going to be taking Mum into church the night before, and we're going to have a small private gathering for immediate family only.

Thank you all for your support, from the bottom of my heart.

And flights of angels sing her to her rest.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1SiylvmFI_8