Finally, a moment to catch up.
This has been a very tough couple of weeks for Mom. Although there are some really good moments, that, unfortunately is what we must focus on, moments, not days or weeks. She did get to go to the Dolly Parton concert, but had some troubles and we had to take her home at intermission, still, it was a wonderful time and we are so thankful for that.
The day after the concert, Mom began having some trouble and refused her medication. Much of her medication is life sustaining and therefore, it was quite troubling for us to accept her refusal. After talking with her, we thought that it meant that she was tired of trying to fight the valiant way she had been, so we simply decided to respect her decision to let nature take its course, for me this was especially difficult because I know the medical misery that decision would cause her in the interim...so I called and had a hospice team come out and we are being assisted by them and their knowledge and professional way to respect mom's wishes. She is now only taking meds which keep her comfortable, and she does not complain at all. She has since made a turn and seems to be willing to eat at least, not much though. It is hard to know what she truly wants because cognitively, she is sliding more and more everyday. We just ask that you pray for us and know that we are doing everything we can to make sure that mom is comfortable and is cared for with the most love one could imagine. Also, note: She is aware of what the hospice team is there for and is cooperating with the nurses when they come. At the end of the day I believe that the call to hospice was a good one, as they have explained to me that the goal is to make life for the patient and family easier, and I feel like I have surrendered, but in a good way. Thank you for all of your love and concern.