My mom is pretty sick.

[dukedogsmom]

I'm so sorry. I didn't know of her situation. Very sorry to hear this. Hugs and well wishes sent your way.

[Alysser]

So sorry to hear this, RICHARD. I wish you and your mom the best of luck.

[kuhio98]

Richard ~ I'm so sorry to hear about your Mom. I hope there are some treatment options available. You both are in my thoughts and prayers.

[Medusa]

Richard, when my mom had her first heart attack, I had two sisters living near her, one just a few doors down, the other approximately 15 minutes away, all in PA. I lived in OH, 3 hours away, but guess who was put "in charge" to handle things and take care of her when she came home from hospital? The task always falls to the one most capable. As you say, you've been through the wars and you'll know what to do, how to do it and you'll get it done. And we all will be right there beside you in spirit every step of the way. Above all else, love your mom (I know I don't have to tell you that) and love yourself, too. Caregivers need love even more sometimes. Turn to us for support; we're here and we can take it. Keep the faythe, bud.

[RICHARD]

Mom has had chemo and the are trying to keep her as comfortable as possible.

LOL, all this time you thought I was a Mama's boy!

I was able to talk to my big sis tonite and am hoping that she will be able to help me carry the load. After Dad passed in '01 the family kinda sailed apart. It's not the optimum situation to bring everyone back 'together' but we will make it thru.

Before I go on I want to say that my mom got a HUGE KICK out of the Xmas Card exchange. I'd let her open the cards (But, they aren't addressed to me!), and she loved every single one.


She's on some pain meds and altho her eyesight is better than it was before- she's also diabetic- I'll print out your well wishes and pass them on!


The paperwork things are being taken care of, I have some calls to make to her health plan and other concerns.

-------

I have moments of 'beating myself up' over what has happened but you can be assured that with your warm wishes, things will work out for the best.

Only god knows and he's not telling.


The last year has been a real test of who I am. It's been tough, but what doesn't kill you, makes you think you can live forever....I think!?!

Thanks to everyone, again, you are all appreciated more than you know.


P.S. I thought about taking the Edster on a 'road trip'....I have to see what my insurance will cover!

[K9karen]

Richard, I'm so sorry to read about your mom.
*Sigh* All the women on my mom's side sound exactly like your mom and most of their illnesses could have been less dramatic if they practiced what they preached.

I got the brunt of caring for my parents and, now, a 90 year old aunt in a nursing home and her 95 y.o hubby who lives alone. But that's OK. You'll have no regrets. I like to say I'm the "good kid"

My prayers are with you.

[jennielynn1970]

I'm so sorry to hear about your mom, Richard. I hope the chemo won't be too hard on her, and that she'll be ok.

It would be really cool if you could take Ed to see her. I think a lot of long term care facilities do allow animals because they are such a boost to the spirits.

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I hope mom will rebound and get better.

[ChrisH]

Oh, Richard, I am so sorry to hear your Mum is so ill. Prayers and positive thoughts on the way for you both.

[Barbara]

Richard I think what Phred said about the "Medical Power of Attorney" is very true. We had my mom sign one when she became so ill and we were very happy to have it later.
Plus: unfortunately it is normal that you experience the most conflict with your closest relatives when something like that happens. Try to play it as cool as possible. Don't waste energy on it- you'll need it for you and your mom.

[chocolatepuppy]

I'm sorry to hear about your mom Richard. My prayers go out to both of you.

[Ginger's Mom]

I am so sorry to hear that your mother and you are going through so much. More prayers are going out for both of you.

[Randi]

Richard, I'm so sorry to hear your mom is ill. I hope the treatment she gets will make her better! Parents can be so stubborn when it comes to going to hospital - I know first hand! Four days before John and I came back from a holiday in Spain, her doctor had told her she needed a blood transfusion, but she refused to get it before I was back.

Over that period, my sister wasn't much help, so I know there's a lot to deal with for you. I do hope you can count on your sister!

I don't know what Medical Power of Attorney is, but it's probably a good idea to get it signed.

I'm sending lots of positive thoughts to your mom - and to you. Hang in there, and do what you can!

(((hugs))) .... and headbumpies from Fister.

[robinh]

You and your mom are in my thoughts and prayers. Enjoy this time, you'll remember how close you become...later.

I did this back in 2001 with my dad. No matter how you think you've prepared, everything that hits you during this time is all such a shock. Just dealing with the mountains of paperwork is frightening.

[Laura's Babies]

Your Mother sounds exactly like mine was. NO doctors and just forget hospitals and actually, I think she lived longer because of it. If she ever took medicine they gave her to take, she would only take half of what she was suppose to take. Again, I think she was healthier and lived longer because of it!

When Mama was diagnosed with cancer, she flat refused any kind of treatment for it. She was 80 years old and said she would not survive surgery and she knew it. She also refused any treatment. We agreed with her although the doctors wanted us to have her declared incompetent and make her have the surgery. To us it was QUALITY verses quanity and what kind of quality would she have has cut all up in her already fragile shape... she just would not have survived the surgery, she was far to frail.. They told us she would only live a year but they didn't know her! She lived 17 more months and was up and around every single day, including the day she died.

This may sound terriably odd Richard, but some of our best times were while she was dying. I discussed things openly and frankly with her often about her condition, I held nothing back. I even told her when we went and made her "arrangements" and what they were and she was very pleased with what we arranged for her saying she has a great life and was ready to move on. We joked and laughed, kidded each other every day. I cleaned up her messy butt many times and LOVED doing it. To bathe her, I would get in the shower with her and we were like a couple of kids together in the shower, it was SO MUCH FUN! Those are priceless, treasured moments we shared and I do not regret one second of them. We were closer then than ever and created more than a lifetime of memories in those 17 months. I treasure every one of them.

[Bengalz]

Richard,

I am so sorry to hear about your Mom and understand very well the situation you are in and the emotions you feel. My own mother has Alzheimers and both my husband's parents' days are numbered (Parkinsons and simply old age).

It is an inevitable world we live in and when the time comes for our parents it is so tough. We second guess ourselves and feel emotions we didn't know existed.

Some very good advice I've been given is to spend as much quality time with your Mom while you can. It is heart-wrenching but very necessary - for her and for you. Don't forget to tell her you love her - that's all that really matters

Take care of yourself and know there are many here who care.

Hugs, Betty