My mother's father died of some form of cancer 50 years ago. I was only 12, but I remember my mom and aunts nursing him.

My mother died of several cancers in 1996. She had beaten breast cancer in 1955, and again in 1958. She developed skin cancer on several spots and had them removed. She had a hysterectomy in 1995. Eventually, the doctors found cancer in her arm and lungs.

I watched her die a slow death of starvation. By this time, she was no longer in pain and told me she was ready. I laid on the floor with her for a week telling her it was OK to let go. She smiled as she slipped away, so I know she was at peace.

It nearly killed me to watch. I still miss her after all these years.

Mary