Mum's funeral is on Monday 5th January at 10am.
It would have been her birthday on Friday :(
Tuesday, 30 December 2008
Monday, 29 December 2008
Mixed Up
Had a call from my younger brother at about 11.30pm last night, I'd already been in bed an hour, he wanted me to go and sit with him for a while. Mum's guinea pig, Patch, died yesterday and I think everything just got too much for him. I didn't go, i asked Gray to talk to him for a while, which he did under protest.
I'm going to see him in a while to sort out wether he can stay on in the house and help him sort out bills and stuff. He's never done anything like that before as he's always lived with mum. There is no-one else at all who is willing to help him. Now mum has gone he has no-one, not one other member of the family wants anything to do with him and in all honesty I shouldn't either. He did some dreadful things 10 years ago that blasted our entire family apart. Mum was the only person who stood by him, which meant cutting off the rest of the family.
Now my dilemma, I know there is no-one else 'soft' enough to help him. I know that mum would never forgive any of us if he wasn't helped and that was one of her greatest worries. But I feel like I am betraying my family by helping him. Deep down he's still my little brother, he needs help and I hate to think of him in this situation alone. But what he did was so unforgivable, and I can't stop feeling like a traitor. Oh Help! I'm so confused.
Graham has supported me up until now but today he turned around and said he doesn't agree with me helping him but he knows I will no matter what.
I wish I knew what to do, what to feel, what to think.
I'm going to see him in a while to sort out wether he can stay on in the house and help him sort out bills and stuff. He's never done anything like that before as he's always lived with mum. There is no-one else at all who is willing to help him. Now mum has gone he has no-one, not one other member of the family wants anything to do with him and in all honesty I shouldn't either. He did some dreadful things 10 years ago that blasted our entire family apart. Mum was the only person who stood by him, which meant cutting off the rest of the family.
Now my dilemma, I know there is no-one else 'soft' enough to help him. I know that mum would never forgive any of us if he wasn't helped and that was one of her greatest worries. But I feel like I am betraying my family by helping him. Deep down he's still my little brother, he needs help and I hate to think of him in this situation alone. But what he did was so unforgivable, and I can't stop feeling like a traitor. Oh Help! I'm so confused.
Graham has supported me up until now but today he turned around and said he doesn't agree with me helping him but he knows I will no matter what.
I wish I knew what to do, what to feel, what to think.
Sunday, 28 December 2008
One Of Those Days
I'm having one of those days when I would have liked to have stayed in bed, or even curl up on the settee with my duvet all day. In reality, I was up before sunrise with the little ones, spent the first half hour cleaning up after the other adults in the house that had only been in bed an hour. Then realised that it was just me and the little ones for at least the next 6 hours. No chance of any peace and quiet then.
Don't get me wrong, I love my little girls and even 1 hour apart makes me miss them like crazy, but sometimes it would be nice to just relax for a while, put myself first without having to deal with them.
So here I am nearly 8 hours later. Loads of washing and ironing done, housework done, girls have had breakfast and lunch and been entertained/cleaned/dressed/cared for. I've just taken 5 mins to myself to write this with Leila pulling on me to climb up and Lucy is playing with her new piano seeing how loud she can get the feedback to screech down my ears.
Suppose I'd better get on with the cooking then!
Oh well, at least I can look forward to an early night. Soon as the girls are settled I can go to bed.
I can't write mum's eulogy. I've thought about it constantly since yesterday. I've even read a guide, but I just can't find the right words. :(
Don't get me wrong, I love my little girls and even 1 hour apart makes me miss them like crazy, but sometimes it would be nice to just relax for a while, put myself first without having to deal with them.
So here I am nearly 8 hours later. Loads of washing and ironing done, housework done, girls have had breakfast and lunch and been entertained/cleaned/dressed/cared for. I've just taken 5 mins to myself to write this with Leila pulling on me to climb up and Lucy is playing with her new piano seeing how loud she can get the feedback to screech down my ears.
Suppose I'd better get on with the cooking then!
Oh well, at least I can look forward to an early night. Soon as the girls are settled I can go to bed.
I can't write mum's eulogy. I've thought about it constantly since yesterday. I've even read a guide, but I just can't find the right words. :(
Saturday, 27 December 2008
Aftermath
Not really sure how I'm feeling. Sometimes I feel like crying, sometimes I feel a kind of peace inside. Looking back it's all happened so quickly. I'm trying to focus on the good times we had rather than the plans we'd made. I'm keeping watch on my younger brother, he's all alone now and has threatened to end it all. I went yesterday and stripped the house of pills (and there were loads because all mum's meds were there). I left him with his bottle of Jack Daniels, It may help a little short term.
Spoke to my older brother today and he was all business like, getting the funeral plans in order and stuff. Good job he's doing it, I couldn't. He's asked me to write something for the vicar to say. That will be hard.
For past couple of weeks all I've done is waited for that call to say that mum had gone, now she has I've stopped feeling so jittery and have a sense of calm. I still see her lying on the bed in the hospice. But that is not how I want to remember her so I'm hoping that image will fade in time, I have plenty of other memories to call upon.
I think the worst thing at the moment is the desperate need I have to talk to her. I just so want to pick up the phone and chat.
Spoke to my older brother today and he was all business like, getting the funeral plans in order and stuff. Good job he's doing it, I couldn't. He's asked me to write something for the vicar to say. That will be hard.
For past couple of weeks all I've done is waited for that call to say that mum had gone, now she has I've stopped feeling so jittery and have a sense of calm. I still see her lying on the bed in the hospice. But that is not how I want to remember her so I'm hoping that image will fade in time, I have plenty of other memories to call upon.
I think the worst thing at the moment is the desperate need I have to talk to her. I just so want to pick up the phone and chat.
Thursday, 25 December 2008
Merry Christmas
Rest in peace, Joyce Margaret Baylis.
I love you mum and will miss you always.
This is certainly one christmas day I will never ever forget.
I love you mum and will miss you always.
This is certainly one christmas day I will never ever forget.
Tuesday, 23 December 2008
Angry
Today I'm feeling angry.
I'm angry at the first hospital for not helping mum because they had no beds.
I'm angry at the second hospital that didnt' really have a clue what to do, they even admitted they had no expertise.
I'm angry at the drs who can't get her medication right. I'm convinced with the right meds and the right dosage she would be much more responsive.
I'm angry at my older brother who has taken it on himself to make all the decisions about mum without consulting anyone else. I was happy to let him take over at first but it angers me that he keeps going against what she wants.
And I'm angry at God for allowing this to happen to my mum when I prayed night after night for her not to be taken away from me just yet.
And with the anger comes more tears, just when I thought I'd dried up for a while.
I'm angry at the first hospital for not helping mum because they had no beds.
I'm angry at the second hospital that didnt' really have a clue what to do, they even admitted they had no expertise.
I'm angry at the drs who can't get her medication right. I'm convinced with the right meds and the right dosage she would be much more responsive.
I'm angry at my older brother who has taken it on himself to make all the decisions about mum without consulting anyone else. I was happy to let him take over at first but it angers me that he keeps going against what she wants.
And I'm angry at God for allowing this to happen to my mum when I prayed night after night for her not to be taken away from me just yet.
And with the anger comes more tears, just when I thought I'd dried up for a while.
Monday, 22 December 2008
Tired and Fed Up
Didn't spend much time with mum today. I was late going and Cassie insisted on coming saying she would sit in the car. I thought it was strange but then Cassie hasn't been herself recently (she did go to the gp today though and has her medication back.) So I left Cassie in the car and went in. Mum was asleep and my younger brother was there. He explained that they were going to try changing her medication because it was too much and it was keeping her zoned out, but they have to get the right dosage as they don't want her to be in pain. Mum then woke and wasn't very happy, she said she was tired and fed up.
I gave her a hug and then when I looked around Cassie was standing there.
Straight after Cassie came my brother and sil. They wanted to put a bed jacket on mum as her arms were cold but she told us no, she was ok. She said we should all go home now and give her some peace and quiet. I don't think she's used to so much company, she would spend hours and hours at home alone.
I was already feeling uncomfortable having Cassie and my brother in the same room so I said my goodbye's and left.
I've decided that for the next two days it will be better to make my visits early. It will help with everything I have to fit in, and it seems quieter there in the morning and I prefer being on my own with mum.
I did spend some time out at my friend Deb's house today. It was really nice to chill for a while and Lucy and Leila had fun with their friends.
Tomorrow I have to fit in a visit to my aunties along with a little last minute perishable's shopping, and Wednesday I have to take my son Craig Christmas shopping. He's only going to two shops though and knows what he wants to buy. Then I have a friend coming round, and I think my eldest brother and sil if she feels up to it.
I didn't think mum would make it to christmas day when she was so terribly ill last week, but now I think she will. I have her present, did all my present shopping ages ago and I made her a hamper of all the things she loves. Most of it, well all of it, is useless to her now but I'm still going to give it to her. I'm thinking that if she still gets all her presents then it will help her feel more normal at least for a while.
I gave her a hug and then when I looked around Cassie was standing there.
Straight after Cassie came my brother and sil. They wanted to put a bed jacket on mum as her arms were cold but she told us no, she was ok. She said we should all go home now and give her some peace and quiet. I don't think she's used to so much company, she would spend hours and hours at home alone.
I was already feeling uncomfortable having Cassie and my brother in the same room so I said my goodbye's and left.
I've decided that for the next two days it will be better to make my visits early. It will help with everything I have to fit in, and it seems quieter there in the morning and I prefer being on my own with mum.
I did spend some time out at my friend Deb's house today. It was really nice to chill for a while and Lucy and Leila had fun with their friends.
Tomorrow I have to fit in a visit to my aunties along with a little last minute perishable's shopping, and Wednesday I have to take my son Craig Christmas shopping. He's only going to two shops though and knows what he wants to buy. Then I have a friend coming round, and I think my eldest brother and sil if she feels up to it.
I didn't think mum would make it to christmas day when she was so terribly ill last week, but now I think she will. I have her present, did all my present shopping ages ago and I made her a hamper of all the things she loves. Most of it, well all of it, is useless to her now but I'm still going to give it to her. I'm thinking that if she still gets all her presents then it will help her feel more normal at least for a while.
Sunday, 21 December 2008
Pain
The one thing I really can't bear is seeing my mum in pain. I would do anything to take away her pain, she should not have to suffer like this.
Today I had just over an hour alone with her, but like yesterday she wasn't too responsive. She only became animated when she needed the tiolet. I fetched the nurse and waited outside while they took her to the commode.
When I went back in she was in so much pain. I think it really hurts her to be moved. And it hurt her to go to the tiolet. I felt so useless, but then I always feel useless.
When my brother turned up he was really upset because she hadn't come around since yesterday. Maybe he's beginning to realise that she's not going to get better. It's a long story, I don't have a good relationship with my brother. He ruined my life and my families life, and he was the reason I didn't see my mum for 5 years. (her choice not mine) But now i find myself worrying about him. He doesn't have anyone or anything but mum. (He quit his job last week) He can't seem to accept that this dreadful disease is going to take her away from us. It doesn't help much having this extra emotion to deal with. If I was a stronger person it wouldn't bother me, I wouldn't care. Maybe it's because mum cared about him so much, I don't know.
then there is my older brother who was also estranged from mum because of our little brother (very similar reasons, exactly the same time.) He has not really had much to do with mum for 9 years now. The only times he has seen her were last April when she was in hospital seriously ill, and last week. He's made his peace with her in his own way, but it's a shame they never really made up. It would never have happened though.
My middle brother is a lot stronger than I remember. He has stuck with mum all the way through because he was not directly involved. He was fed a load of lies at first about all that had happened, and when he found out the truth it nearly broke him, but he carried on and stuck by mum. The strange thing is he seems to hate our little brother more than anyone. It feels weird writing this down, it's not something I normally talk about.
Another thing I have to deal with is Cassie. She's been really down the past few days, in fact I remember when she used to be like this all the time so it proves that the medication works. It makes me worry about when she has to come off it. She can't stay on it forever, the gp already told us that. She's planning on leaving home next year, I can imagine I'm going to do nothing but worry about her.
Today I had just over an hour alone with her, but like yesterday she wasn't too responsive. She only became animated when she needed the tiolet. I fetched the nurse and waited outside while they took her to the commode.
When I went back in she was in so much pain. I think it really hurts her to be moved. And it hurt her to go to the tiolet. I felt so useless, but then I always feel useless.
When my brother turned up he was really upset because she hadn't come around since yesterday. Maybe he's beginning to realise that she's not going to get better. It's a long story, I don't have a good relationship with my brother. He ruined my life and my families life, and he was the reason I didn't see my mum for 5 years. (her choice not mine) But now i find myself worrying about him. He doesn't have anyone or anything but mum. (He quit his job last week) He can't seem to accept that this dreadful disease is going to take her away from us. It doesn't help much having this extra emotion to deal with. If I was a stronger person it wouldn't bother me, I wouldn't care. Maybe it's because mum cared about him so much, I don't know.
then there is my older brother who was also estranged from mum because of our little brother (very similar reasons, exactly the same time.) He has not really had much to do with mum for 9 years now. The only times he has seen her were last April when she was in hospital seriously ill, and last week. He's made his peace with her in his own way, but it's a shame they never really made up. It would never have happened though.
My middle brother is a lot stronger than I remember. He has stuck with mum all the way through because he was not directly involved. He was fed a load of lies at first about all that had happened, and when he found out the truth it nearly broke him, but he carried on and stuck by mum. The strange thing is he seems to hate our little brother more than anyone. It feels weird writing this down, it's not something I normally talk about.
Another thing I have to deal with is Cassie. She's been really down the past few days, in fact I remember when she used to be like this all the time so it proves that the medication works. It makes me worry about when she has to come off it. She can't stay on it forever, the gp already told us that. She's planning on leaving home next year, I can imagine I'm going to do nothing but worry about her.
Saturday, 20 December 2008
Quiet
Went to see mum a bit later than usual today. I thought it might help me a little as I tend to miss her in the evening more. When I got there her sister was there and she'd just had a dose of morphine as she'd been in pain. That meant she was zoned out and I didn't get much response from her. My brother and sister-in-law turned up and they couldnt' get much response either. My younger brother told us she'd been out of bed sitting in the chair earlier. I think I made a mistake by going in later and now I feel sad.
She did start to come around a bit before I left and we had a hug and kiss and she even managed to wave to me. I miss her so much.
I told my brother to make sure she watched Strictly Come Dancing final, she'd been watching it every week and it would be a shame if she missed it. I hope she managed to catch what was going on.
She did start to come around a bit before I left and we had a hug and kiss and she even managed to wave to me. I miss her so much.
I told my brother to make sure she watched Strictly Come Dancing final, she'd been watching it every week and it would be a shame if she missed it. I hope she managed to catch what was going on.
Friday, 19 December 2008
Too much thinking
It's true, my mum is all I ever think about. I do try to think about other stuff but it's always there in the back of my mind, or right at the front of my mind. During the day I can be rational, it's the night time that's the worst, it's so much harder to be rational at night. I decided that it's much better to focus on the good times we've had together and think of them as happy memories, but often I'm just thinking about the plans we'd made and how much I'm going to miss making more happy memories.
I burst into tears tonight because they advertised Strictly Come Dancing final on tv. I can't believe that it was only last Saturday that I sat with my mum at home watching it on tv.
I do find writing all this down helpful. I want to remember it all, not so much the bad stuff but it helps just to let it all out.
Mum was okish today again. I could see she was in pain which makes me feel useless and sad, but at least she was able to talk to me again. She got distressed when she wet the bed, I feel bad sharing that, but if I'm keeping this honest I have to put it down. I got her help from the nurses and when they'd finished she suddenly became much more relaxed and peaceful which was nice. She even let me go today without a fuss, she said she needed a nap anyway.
I burst into tears tonight because they advertised Strictly Come Dancing final on tv. I can't believe that it was only last Saturday that I sat with my mum at home watching it on tv.
I do find writing all this down helpful. I want to remember it all, not so much the bad stuff but it helps just to let it all out.
Mum was okish today again. I could see she was in pain which makes me feel useless and sad, but at least she was able to talk to me again. She got distressed when she wet the bed, I feel bad sharing that, but if I'm keeping this honest I have to put it down. I got her help from the nurses and when they'd finished she suddenly became much more relaxed and peaceful which was nice. She even let me go today without a fuss, she said she needed a nap anyway.
Thursday, 18 December 2008
All My Loving, i will send to you
I've just had an amazing visit with my mum. It
wasn't so good at first as I could hear her crying
all the way down the corridor when I got there. I
rushed into her and hugged her. She said 'oh
Anne, I've been here an hour and half on my own
and the doorbell keeps ringing and I can't let them
in' I was stunned, she's barely said anything that
makes sense for days and this was plain as day. I
told her not to worry about the doorbell, if it was
anyone important they would get in, I got in after
all. Then she had a rant about my brother for
putting her back in hospital so I explained to her
that she wasn't in hospital she was in a care
home. Then she pointed at a photo and said I
can't see it properly who is it. So I told her it was
my girls and she said to give them a big kiss from
her.
When my brother arrived he bought her some
christmas cards. I helped her open them and then
she held them in front of her saying each one was
lovely. They really were, and mum always loved a
nice card she thought they were more important
than presents. Then when she'd looked at them all
and I'd read them to her she started singing, 'All
my loving, I will send to you'
She had a drink of squash and held it herself and
drank it. Yesterday we were trying to get fluids in
her and she was just dribbling them out. Her
mouth was all dry and blistered.
Today she was like a different woman, she looked
better, and was much more aware.
The nurse did warn us that she could appear to
get better just before the end, but I'm not focusing
on that, I'm just happy I had a lovely couple of
hours with her today.
wasn't so good at first as I could hear her crying
all the way down the corridor when I got there. I
rushed into her and hugged her. She said 'oh
Anne, I've been here an hour and half on my own
and the doorbell keeps ringing and I can't let them
in' I was stunned, she's barely said anything that
makes sense for days and this was plain as day. I
told her not to worry about the doorbell, if it was
anyone important they would get in, I got in after
all. Then she had a rant about my brother for
putting her back in hospital so I explained to her
that she wasn't in hospital she was in a care
home. Then she pointed at a photo and said I
can't see it properly who is it. So I told her it was
my girls and she said to give them a big kiss from
her.
When my brother arrived he bought her some
christmas cards. I helped her open them and then
she held them in front of her saying each one was
lovely. They really were, and mum always loved a
nice card she thought they were more important
than presents. Then when she'd looked at them all
and I'd read them to her she started singing, 'All
my loving, I will send to you'
She had a drink of squash and held it herself and
drank it. Yesterday we were trying to get fluids in
her and she was just dribbling them out. Her
mouth was all dry and blistered.
Today she was like a different woman, she looked
better, and was much more aware.
The nurse did warn us that she could appear to
get better just before the end, but I'm not focusing
on that, I'm just happy I had a lovely couple of
hours with her today.
Lucy has conjunctivitis
My poor little girl was supposed to have been an angel in the school nativity today but she came home yesterday with conjunctivitis and the teacher said not to send her in. It was the one thing I had to look forward to this christmas and now I feel very sad. In fact I started crying when I saw the parents coming out of the school when it had finished. (they have to walk past my house) She will also miss her school party but that hasn't sunk in yet, she still thinks she will be going. In fact she should be there right now. :(
to try and compensate a little we took her into town and treated her to a trip to the Disney Store. She is suddenly crazy about Minnie Mouse so I bought her a soft toy. I wouldn't have had the money but I had a win on the Bingo last week that I'd completely forgotten about, so Leila had a little treat too and we had lunch before coming home. Now I'm just waiting for Graham to come back so I can go and see mum.
Cassie has been poorly all night with the sickness bug I had the other day. Graham and Craig have had it too but it didn't effect them the same. I'm just hoping and praying my little girls don't catch it, I'm sure they would have by now. fingers crossed.
Wish Graham would hurry, I'm feeling a little anxious now.
I told Graham I wanted to see my gp today for something to help me through this and he didn't approve. I dont' understand, if I was in physical pain he wouldn't say anything about me having painkillers? So instead I've bought myself a bottle of Rescue Remedy.
to try and compensate a little we took her into town and treated her to a trip to the Disney Store. She is suddenly crazy about Minnie Mouse so I bought her a soft toy. I wouldn't have had the money but I had a win on the Bingo last week that I'd completely forgotten about, so Leila had a little treat too and we had lunch before coming home. Now I'm just waiting for Graham to come back so I can go and see mum.
Cassie has been poorly all night with the sickness bug I had the other day. Graham and Craig have had it too but it didn't effect them the same. I'm just hoping and praying my little girls don't catch it, I'm sure they would have by now. fingers crossed.
Wish Graham would hurry, I'm feeling a little anxious now.
I told Graham I wanted to see my gp today for something to help me through this and he didn't approve. I dont' understand, if I was in physical pain he wouldn't say anything about me having painkillers? So instead I've bought myself a bottle of Rescue Remedy.
Wednesday, 17 December 2008
Visting Time
This morning I took two of my mum's sisters to see her and met my brother and my nephew there too. Everyone was utterly shocked at her condition. I'm the only one she spoke too and she didn't say much while the others were there. My younger brother said she has a big dose of morphine in the morning which makes her drowsy but she gets more lively toward the evening. I think her quietness was due to sadness at her family coming to see her. She hadn't seen her sisters for years and the only other time she saw my older brother and nephew in the last nine years was the last time she was in hospital in April.
When they left me alone with her she was a little more responsive although still really sad. Everytime I moved even slightly from the bed she called me back. I couldn't leave her, I had to stay until my brother arrived. He had bought her lots of things from home to make the room nicer, but I still can't say that made her any happier. I decided on just the one visit today. I had spent more than two hours with her and thought that maybe if I didn't see her this afternoon I might be able to focus on other things, maybe even get some sleep tonight. My brother sent me a text about 6pm asking if I was going back as she was upset. I called him back and I could hear her crying in the background. All she was saying was 'i want to go home, please take me home'
I called back an hour later and my other brother was there too and mum was quieter. I do wish she was still at home, I'm sure she'd be happier and we'd have got the help we needed eventually, probably by now if she'd stayed there. Now I feel if we move her again we will kill her.
Just come off the phone to my brother Kevin and he's been talking with the sister at the hospice. He told me to be prepared as it's likely to be just days now. This is so quick, but I have to be strong, I know she's in pain and soon she will be at peace. It's going to be hard for us, and I know she didn't want to leave us yet, but how can she carry on with all that pain. Sometimes I think I'm ready, but I don't know really. Is it easier knowing? It hurts like hell, but at least I've had time to say everything I wanted to say. And everyone has had a chance to see her one last time.
When they left me alone with her she was a little more responsive although still really sad. Everytime I moved even slightly from the bed she called me back. I couldn't leave her, I had to stay until my brother arrived. He had bought her lots of things from home to make the room nicer, but I still can't say that made her any happier. I decided on just the one visit today. I had spent more than two hours with her and thought that maybe if I didn't see her this afternoon I might be able to focus on other things, maybe even get some sleep tonight. My brother sent me a text about 6pm asking if I was going back as she was upset. I called him back and I could hear her crying in the background. All she was saying was 'i want to go home, please take me home'
I called back an hour later and my other brother was there too and mum was quieter. I do wish she was still at home, I'm sure she'd be happier and we'd have got the help we needed eventually, probably by now if she'd stayed there. Now I feel if we move her again we will kill her.
Just come off the phone to my brother Kevin and he's been talking with the sister at the hospice. He told me to be prepared as it's likely to be just days now. This is so quick, but I have to be strong, I know she's in pain and soon she will be at peace. It's going to be hard for us, and I know she didn't want to leave us yet, but how can she carry on with all that pain. Sometimes I think I'm ready, but I don't know really. Is it easier knowing? It hurts like hell, but at least I've had time to say everything I wanted to say. And everyone has had a chance to see her one last time.
Tuesday, 16 December 2008
Low
I'm feeling really low tonight. I've been to see mum twice today in the hospice. The second time to take Cassie as she needed to make peace with her nan, I thought that was so brave of her.
I just cant' stop thinking about how quickly this is all happening. On Saturday we were talking about our plans for christmas, and I gave her a catalogue from Iceland to make a list of the christmas goodies she wanted me to shop for her. She gave me one of her automated Santa's, she knew exactly where it was in the bedroom.
Then on Sunday she just went down hill so quickly. I was talking to her one minute, I helped her move up the bed because she'd slipped and we had a cuddle. She touched my face and said Goodbye Anne, I love you. I said I'm not going anywhere yet, I'm just going to put your dinner on.
I went into the kitchen but Graham was already sorting the dinner so I went back to her and she was asleep. That was it, she never really woke up properly.
I tried to wake her when her dinner was ready but I couldn't. My brother came back home and he said she was like that after a sleep and she would come around. The next day she was still the same and it's been the same since.
She wakes up but her eyes are glazed. She speaks but she doesn't make sense 90% of the time. It's just too much to bear. We only found out last week that she had cancer and now it's taking her so quickly.
I wish I could help her, I wish I could just talk to her, more than anything I wish she could talk to me. I can't bear this.
I just cant' stop thinking about how quickly this is all happening. On Saturday we were talking about our plans for christmas, and I gave her a catalogue from Iceland to make a list of the christmas goodies she wanted me to shop for her. She gave me one of her automated Santa's, she knew exactly where it was in the bedroom.
Then on Sunday she just went down hill so quickly. I was talking to her one minute, I helped her move up the bed because she'd slipped and we had a cuddle. She touched my face and said Goodbye Anne, I love you. I said I'm not going anywhere yet, I'm just going to put your dinner on.
I went into the kitchen but Graham was already sorting the dinner so I went back to her and she was asleep. That was it, she never really woke up properly.
I tried to wake her when her dinner was ready but I couldn't. My brother came back home and he said she was like that after a sleep and she would come around. The next day she was still the same and it's been the same since.
She wakes up but her eyes are glazed. She speaks but she doesn't make sense 90% of the time. It's just too much to bear. We only found out last week that she had cancer and now it's taking her so quickly.
I wish I could help her, I wish I could just talk to her, more than anything I wish she could talk to me. I can't bear this.
Something else!
As if I need anything else to worry about. My lovely sweet sister-in-law, who has been my best friend and my rock, went into hospital for a gastric by-pass on Friday. The op went well and she was recovering ok. Then on Sunday night she had breathing difficulties and was put in intensive care. Yesterday my oldest brother called me to say he'd been summoned to the hospital to see her as things were not looking good. Luckily, she did start to get better and hopefully she will be ok. I really hope so.
Where do I begin?
Ok, I'll start with me. I had a tummy ache yesterday, then around 2pm while at mum's I started throwing up. 5 mins later I was throwing up again so I went home saying I'd be back later when I felt better. I got home threw up several more times and the pain in my tummy just got worse. Within an hour I was in so much pain Graham wanted to call an ambulance! I managed to talk him out of that. I went to bed with the kids at 8pm and after throwing up a few more times (where does it all come from, I'd not eaten all day?) I managed a couple of hours sleep. Then I woke and started thinking again. I didn't know what was worse, the physical pain or the mental pain.
Anyway, when I got to mum's yesterday I found out that my older brother had decided to take it on himself to have mum transferred to a hospice. He didnt' even discuss it with us. He'd been on the phone all day trying to arrange help but kept coming up against brick walls, not total brick walls though, they did say help was available it would just take time. Then he blamed me and my younger brother for bringing her out of hospital too soon. He said that maybe she wouldn't have got so ill so quickly if she'd still be there. I disagree, i think she knew it was happening and wanted to be at home. If she'd gotten that ill in hospital there would have been no chance of that.
He said that we couldnt' cope with looking after her at home. Yes, it was difficult but my younger brother was with her all the time and we were there to give him a break and take over. He'd managed ok for 2 nights even though it had been really difficult. We knew the help wouldn't be immediate but were hoping for it to be in place within a week or two, that's what they said at the hospital. My older brother seemed to think the help would have been there straight away.
Well, with my being so sick I couldn't be there and the transfer went ahead, much to mum's distressed complaining. Since then I've had my younger brother on the phone constantly asking me to help him take her home again. That's all we need to be fighting over her and dragging her here there and everywhere.
I'm off to the hospice in a minute to see things first hand. My older brother agreed that if she improved then we could take her home again.
I dont' know if she will improve, I'm thinking now it's not the drugs that did this to her.
So much for my planning christmas day. I do keep trying to be optimistic but my optimism keeps letting me down again and again. What else do I have? I want my mum to look at me and see me. i want to talk to her, I still have so much more to say. I'm not ready to say goodbye yet. I dont' think I will ever be ready.
Anyway, when I got to mum's yesterday I found out that my older brother had decided to take it on himself to have mum transferred to a hospice. He didnt' even discuss it with us. He'd been on the phone all day trying to arrange help but kept coming up against brick walls, not total brick walls though, they did say help was available it would just take time. Then he blamed me and my younger brother for bringing her out of hospital too soon. He said that maybe she wouldn't have got so ill so quickly if she'd still be there. I disagree, i think she knew it was happening and wanted to be at home. If she'd gotten that ill in hospital there would have been no chance of that.
He said that we couldnt' cope with looking after her at home. Yes, it was difficult but my younger brother was with her all the time and we were there to give him a break and take over. He'd managed ok for 2 nights even though it had been really difficult. We knew the help wouldn't be immediate but were hoping for it to be in place within a week or two, that's what they said at the hospital. My older brother seemed to think the help would have been there straight away.
Well, with my being so sick I couldn't be there and the transfer went ahead, much to mum's distressed complaining. Since then I've had my younger brother on the phone constantly asking me to help him take her home again. That's all we need to be fighting over her and dragging her here there and everywhere.
I'm off to the hospice in a minute to see things first hand. My older brother agreed that if she improved then we could take her home again.
I dont' know if she will improve, I'm thinking now it's not the drugs that did this to her.
So much for my planning christmas day. I do keep trying to be optimistic but my optimism keeps letting me down again and again. What else do I have? I want my mum to look at me and see me. i want to talk to her, I still have so much more to say. I'm not ready to say goodbye yet. I dont' think I will ever be ready.
Monday, 15 December 2008
Pills
Ok, first report this morning is that mum is still the same as last night, she's not coming around. My brothers are both with her atm and contemplating on getting the dr in. On advice they realised those pills she took were not for her to take right now and she should have only taken 1/2 pill. I cant' be sure but I think they were mistaken for painkillers and she took 2!! No wonder she's so zoned out. Shame on the hospital for not giving us details about the medication. The nurse was supposed to explain everything to us but she was incredibly stressed and basically just threw them on bed. At the time I wanted to question her but as we'd already been waiting for 3 hours for these pills and I saw there were labels and a sheet of paper with them I figured we'd cope without having to stress her out anymore and getting another rant (yes, she'd already had a rant at me and my brother) But when we got back all the tablets had on them were their names and the sheet of paper was useless.
I feel guilty now, I should have been brave enough to tell that nurse that it wasn't our fault she'd had a tough day and she should still be doing her job properly. But that's me all over a big sap, I actually felt sorry for her.
I feel guilty now, I should have been brave enough to tell that nurse that it wasn't our fault she'd had a tough day and she should still be doing her job properly. But that's me all over a big sap, I actually felt sorry for her.
Sunday, 14 December 2008
A sign of things to come
Oh God today has been the worst.
This morning I tried to call mum, first the phone just rang and rang, so I left it a few minutes and tried again; she answered but then the phone went dead, then it was just ringing again. Finally I called my brothers mobile and mum answered. The house phone was playing up. Boy did it give me a fright. Anyway, I had a quick chat with mum, she said she didn't feel too good but fancied lamb chops for dinner. She's not eaten much at all in days now but I give her whatever she asks for in the hope that she eats a little.
I got there this afternoon and at first she was quite lucid. She asked me to change her underwear so I did and the effort seemed to really take it out of her. I then went into the kitchen to put on her chops and when I got back she was fast asleep. I decided to let her sleep for a while at least until her food was ready.
An hour later I was panicking as I couldn't wake her up. Eventually I got her to open her eyes and speak to me, but she was really out of it. I kept trying for about 20 mins then my brother got back. He said she had been like that most of the day. We talked about her medication I figured it could be the anti-depressents she'd been prescribed. I told my brother not to let her have any more until we spoke to her dr. Then I came home.
An hour later my brother was on the phone, my older brother had visited and called an ambulance. I was so angry and upset. I mean, she is dying, she wants to die at home, no matter how ill she is what is the point of calling an ambulance. She would never forgive us if she were to end her days in hospital. At the very least she should be in a hospice instead. Anyway, I waited for a while then called back and begged, pleaded, screamed at them not to let her go to hospital. At the time the paramedic was there so they just said they'd let me know what he said.
What did he say? Well, he said it was the anti-depressents which were a form of tamazipan and were spacing her out. He said the effects would wear off in a couple of hours and we should talk to her gp before giving her any more. They didn't take her to hospital. Phew!
This is going to be even harder than I thought.
This morning I tried to call mum, first the phone just rang and rang, so I left it a few minutes and tried again; she answered but then the phone went dead, then it was just ringing again. Finally I called my brothers mobile and mum answered. The house phone was playing up. Boy did it give me a fright. Anyway, I had a quick chat with mum, she said she didn't feel too good but fancied lamb chops for dinner. She's not eaten much at all in days now but I give her whatever she asks for in the hope that she eats a little.
I got there this afternoon and at first she was quite lucid. She asked me to change her underwear so I did and the effort seemed to really take it out of her. I then went into the kitchen to put on her chops and when I got back she was fast asleep. I decided to let her sleep for a while at least until her food was ready.
An hour later I was panicking as I couldn't wake her up. Eventually I got her to open her eyes and speak to me, but she was really out of it. I kept trying for about 20 mins then my brother got back. He said she had been like that most of the day. We talked about her medication I figured it could be the anti-depressents she'd been prescribed. I told my brother not to let her have any more until we spoke to her dr. Then I came home.
An hour later my brother was on the phone, my older brother had visited and called an ambulance. I was so angry and upset. I mean, she is dying, she wants to die at home, no matter how ill she is what is the point of calling an ambulance. She would never forgive us if she were to end her days in hospital. At the very least she should be in a hospice instead. Anyway, I waited for a while then called back and begged, pleaded, screamed at them not to let her go to hospital. At the time the paramedic was there so they just said they'd let me know what he said.
What did he say? Well, he said it was the anti-depressents which were a form of tamazipan and were spacing her out. He said the effects would wear off in a couple of hours and we should talk to her gp before giving her any more. They didn't take her to hospital. Phew!
This is going to be even harder than I thought.
So Sad
I've just been to a forum that I've been posting on for many years. I've always found comfort there in times of need, and I've enjoyed sharing all types of news with the many ladies there. I've met many of them and so wanted to meet more. But, I signed on today to find so many arguments and nastiness. I can't even begin to form an opinion on it all as my sorrow is already so deep in my own families problems atm. I guess I'm being selfish but I feel as though I've now lost my sounding board, my place of comfort and support. I feel so incredibly sad, over a forum, is that daft? Or maybe it's just because I'm an emotional wreck atm anyway.
I've been busy, have to be busy it's helps to stop the thinking. Last night I wrapped loads of christmas presents, still have more to do but I need to get some more paper.
Today I've been calling family and working out a rota for visiting mum. Tomorrow will be difficult as it's my eldest brother's visit, I'm not looking forward to that. Then Tuesday I'm taking mum's youngest sister to see her, they've been at loggerheads with each other for years, but it's time for peace now. God, how am I going to cope with all this emotion.
I just have two more aunties to sort as I know they don't have their own transport, the others can make there own way.
Plans for Christmas (I pray every night that she makes it until after christmas) Christmas Eve I will prepare a dinner for mum and my brother. Christmas morning I'll call my brother to tell him when to turn everything on. Then I'll go and finish the cooking and serve it up. I'll then leave her in peace while I go home and feed my family. Then I'm going back with my older kids, my daughter was central to the whole family split so that's going to be tough, but she wants to go and mum wants to see her. I just hope and pray that it happens.
I must talk to the Macmillan nurses tomorrow, I think they have them at the hospice mum has been referred to. (no, she's not going into the hospice, they will support her at home)
There is one more thing I need to do but I can't face it right now, I need to look up what is going to happen to her. I dont' want to know but I have to be prepared.
On a lighter note the visit to Santa with the girl's yesterday was lovely. Lucy even talked to Santa, what a breakthrough :)
I've been busy, have to be busy it's helps to stop the thinking. Last night I wrapped loads of christmas presents, still have more to do but I need to get some more paper.
Today I've been calling family and working out a rota for visiting mum. Tomorrow will be difficult as it's my eldest brother's visit, I'm not looking forward to that. Then Tuesday I'm taking mum's youngest sister to see her, they've been at loggerheads with each other for years, but it's time for peace now. God, how am I going to cope with all this emotion.
I just have two more aunties to sort as I know they don't have their own transport, the others can make there own way.
Plans for Christmas (I pray every night that she makes it until after christmas) Christmas Eve I will prepare a dinner for mum and my brother. Christmas morning I'll call my brother to tell him when to turn everything on. Then I'll go and finish the cooking and serve it up. I'll then leave her in peace while I go home and feed my family. Then I'm going back with my older kids, my daughter was central to the whole family split so that's going to be tough, but she wants to go and mum wants to see her. I just hope and pray that it happens.
I must talk to the Macmillan nurses tomorrow, I think they have them at the hospice mum has been referred to. (no, she's not going into the hospice, they will support her at home)
There is one more thing I need to do but I can't face it right now, I need to look up what is going to happen to her. I dont' want to know but I have to be prepared.
On a lighter note the visit to Santa with the girl's yesterday was lovely. Lucy even talked to Santa, what a breakthrough :)
Saturday, 13 December 2008
Mum is home
She wasn't supposed to be until next week but she'd really had enough of that hospital. (she couldnt' see the tv properly and was missing her soaps!)
Anyway, after 5 1/2 hours at the hospital yesterday they finally let me take her home. We have put her bed downstairs in the living room and we are going to put her tree and decorations up tomorrow.
We have support from the local hospice, and her nurse will still be visiting her daily. We have social services coming next week to arrange a homecare assistant.
She told me yesterday all her plans, but I've asked her to write everything down because sadly our family is still not as close as it should be.
Her plot at the cemetary is paid for, she will be with my dad and my nan. (yes, it's a bit strange my nan being in with my dad but they were incredibly close so it was her wish, and grandad left her when her youngest child was born and she never saw him again)
It was strange taking her home, kind of happy in one way because everyone knows how awful it is being stuck in hospital, but incredibly sad because she's only coming home because there is nothing they can do for her. Even her medication made me cry, they gave her painkillers, stronger painkillers, and even stronger painkillers, and a box of anti-depressents.
I have to say though, she already looked much better being at home sitting up on her own bed.
I'm having a bit of a break today, me and Deb have booked the girls in to see Santa at the nature centre, I just hope this rain eases up a little.
Anyway, after 5 1/2 hours at the hospital yesterday they finally let me take her home. We have put her bed downstairs in the living room and we are going to put her tree and decorations up tomorrow.
We have support from the local hospice, and her nurse will still be visiting her daily. We have social services coming next week to arrange a homecare assistant.
She told me yesterday all her plans, but I've asked her to write everything down because sadly our family is still not as close as it should be.
Her plot at the cemetary is paid for, she will be with my dad and my nan. (yes, it's a bit strange my nan being in with my dad but they were incredibly close so it was her wish, and grandad left her when her youngest child was born and she never saw him again)
It was strange taking her home, kind of happy in one way because everyone knows how awful it is being stuck in hospital, but incredibly sad because she's only coming home because there is nothing they can do for her. Even her medication made me cry, they gave her painkillers, stronger painkillers, and even stronger painkillers, and a box of anti-depressents.
I have to say though, she already looked much better being at home sitting up on her own bed.
I'm having a bit of a break today, me and Deb have booked the girls in to see Santa at the nature centre, I just hope this rain eases up a little.
Thursday, 11 December 2008
I'm losing my mum
Got up in a good mood today, the girls slept well and my cold seems to be clearing up. I was trying to optimistic about mum's scan yesterday, I was sure that we'd find out what was wrong and the treatment would begin to make her better.
Well, we found out what was wrong. She has lung and liver cancer, so advanced they can't do anything for her. They've given her just weeks to live. She just wants to get home, she doesn't want to die in hospital. I had to agree for them not to rescucitate her if her heart gave way, the dr told me that it would only cause her pain and wouldn't prolong her life for much longer.
Tomorrow we are seeing a specialist to find out what treatment she will have at home. Basically it will be just to make her last few weeks comfortable.
I dont' know how I'm going to get through this. This is so hard.
Well, we found out what was wrong. She has lung and liver cancer, so advanced they can't do anything for her. They've given her just weeks to live. She just wants to get home, she doesn't want to die in hospital. I had to agree for them not to rescucitate her if her heart gave way, the dr told me that it would only cause her pain and wouldn't prolong her life for much longer.
Tomorrow we are seeing a specialist to find out what treatment she will have at home. Basically it will be just to make her last few weeks comfortable.
I dont' know how I'm going to get through this. This is so hard.
Tuesday, 9 December 2008
Wide Awake
I can't believe it but I got 8 hours sleep last night. Didnt' get up until 7.10am but plenty of time to get Lucy to nursery, first time in over a week. She was so excited bless her.
Had my shopping delivered and have done a complete cleaning blitz on the house, had all the windows open and been trying desperately to rid the house of germs and illness.
Yesterday Cassie's doll arrived. So at least she's happy.
Christmas shopping is all done now (well, just waiting for my Avon order which should arrive today)
Mum is having a scan today to try and get to the bottom of what is wrong with her. Just a few more days and she should be out of quarantine for mrsa, I really hope so.
Had my shopping delivered and have done a complete cleaning blitz on the house, had all the windows open and been trying desperately to rid the house of germs and illness.
Yesterday Cassie's doll arrived. So at least she's happy.
Christmas shopping is all done now (well, just waiting for my Avon order which should arrive today)
Mum is having a scan today to try and get to the bottom of what is wrong with her. Just a few more days and she should be out of quarantine for mrsa, I really hope so.
Friday, 5 December 2008
bad week
sorry I haven 't updated since Monday.
Mum is still in hospital, she was transferred to the QE because she had a heart attack. They gave her an ultrasound scan and found spots on her liver. They can't do a cat scan because she can't lie flat so they wanted to do a biopsy. Then they found she has MRSA, so they are not doing the biopsy yet and can't transfer her back to Selly Oak until the mrsa is cleared up. She's now in quarantine.
The girls have been ill all week. Lucy hasn 't been to nursery and we've barely been out apart from the drs, and me to the hospital. I can't take them to visit their nanny and I'm not risking visiting now until the girls are healthy again . I'm just praying now that she doesn't have cancer. Just days ago I was hoping it was constipation, now look how things have changed.
Lot's more going on but I'm tired and this stupid keyboard keeps putting in extra spaces and I'm sick of backing up.
Mum is still in hospital, she was transferred to the QE because she had a heart attack. They gave her an ultrasound scan and found spots on her liver. They can't do a cat scan because she can't lie flat so they wanted to do a biopsy. Then they found she has MRSA, so they are not doing the biopsy yet and can't transfer her back to Selly Oak until the mrsa is cleared up. She's now in quarantine.
The girls have been ill all week. Lucy hasn 't been to nursery and we've barely been out apart from the drs, and me to the hospital. I can't take them to visit their nanny and I'm not risking visiting now until the girls are healthy again . I'm just praying now that she doesn't have cancer. Just days ago I was hoping it was constipation, now look how things have changed.
Lot's more going on but I'm tired and this stupid keyboard keeps putting in extra spaces and I'm sick of backing up.
Monday, 1 December 2008
It's December and it's cold!
So cold, especially scraping the ice off the car window at 7.50am so I can take Cassie to the station for college.
Had a night of it with the girl's. Lucy had a coughing fit and made herself sick. Leila wouldn't go in her cot. zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
Have to go and see mum this afternoon, leaving the girl's with Graham.
Had a night of it with the girl's. Lucy had a coughing fit and made herself sick. Leila wouldn't go in her cot. zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
Have to go and see mum this afternoon, leaving the girl's with Graham.
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