My mom's sister is dying. What can I do for her?

**phesina** · 01-04-2010, 08:24 PM

Candace, it sounds like you are doing just what is best for both your mom and your aunt.

Wow.. your mother and her siblings are scattered all across Canada.. Winnipeg, Calgary vicinity, Kamloops.. with the one sister coming all the way from Halifax! (She could drive from there.. 58 hours.. swinging through Ann Arbor!

)

There is another sister and a brother too? Do they live in Winnipeg? Are they coming or already there with your ill aunt?

Your pictures and note and CD for her sound really nice. I'll bet she'll love them. And surely someone can come up with a laptop for her to use.

{{{{{HUGS}}}}} and ~~~~~PURRS~~~~~ to you, mom, and aunt,
Pat and cats

**Catty1** · 01-04-2010, 08:41 PM

I had a message from my mom when I got home tonight. Lydia was SO glad to see her! She enjoyed reading my note, and told my mom to thank me specially for it. No chance to see the CD of the cruise pics I made yet.

She was actually feisty today, mom said...pale with cold hands, but I think having all her family there has really helped. She hopes to stabilize enough to give the chemo a whirl - even though it supposedly will give her only a few more weeks.

There are conflicting reports from a couple of docs - when her one son talk to the doctor tomorrow, the family will make a decision to move Lydia to a hospice. She will be looked after much better there. She is now on anti-nausea meds - I hope she will be able to keep some food down soon.

Pat, my one aunt does not live in Halifax - she lives in Winnipeg, but is down east visiting her son, his wife and two boys; she arrived there about December 15. She plans to get back to Winnipeg and bring the other sister out with her. The 'other sister' is getting dementia, but still has some good moments. It will be great to have all the sisters together.

It sounds like Lydia has at least a few days yet.

Thank you all for your support and thoughts.

**beeniesmom** · 01-05-2010, 10:35 AM

I'm very sorry.... from someone who lost her dad just a few short months ago. I don't know what to say. Be her rock and talk about other things... cooking, tv .... distractions are good. Sometimes you just want to talk about other things.

**Anikaca77** · 01-05-2010, 11:01 AM

My prays.

Melissa

**Catty1** · 01-05-2010, 11:30 AM

Thanks, everyone.

**RICHARD** · 01-05-2010, 11:09 PM

Just 'being there' can be a wonderful way to show you care and are there for your family.

Prayers sent to you and yours.

**phesina** · 01-07-2010, 08:06 PM

Candace, how is your Aunt Lydia doing now? Did her other siblings arrive?

I lit a candle for her: http://www.gratefulness.org/candles/...ng&cid=9927716

**Catty1** · 01-07-2010, 09:42 PM

Thank you so much for lighting the candle, Pat.

Lydia did get to go home for several days. She arrived there yesterday, and was able to get around with a walker, get to the washroom, etc. However, she still cannot keep food down, and apparently was uncomfortable and anxious today. Her doctor now has her on the list for the hospice.

Her other two sisters arrive Monday, and my mom comes home. She has had quite a week...but I know was a huge boon to Lydia and all the rest of the family. As her DIL said, "she has seen all her best people."

I don't think she will last through January. I just pray that she has some smiles and is as comfortable as possible.

Thank you.