SCLC final days?

Hi OldSpeckledHen,

Firstly, don't apologise.  It's hard, so very hard.  I'm so sorry you're going through this, I went through the same in July and I feel your pain, it's absolutely exhausting - I remember not sleeping properly generally and then being awake for a full 48 hours when she was very poorly and feeling like it would kill me.  It's such a hard and difficult time and everything feels like it's out of control. 

There are many thoughts and emotions that you will be feeing right now, you're trying to spin many plates and also trying to manage your own life.  Don't feel guilty for any of the thoughts, we're all only human and at times like this we get to near capacity.  Just try to allow yourself a bit of breathing space where possible.

In terms of how they know how much time is left, the nurses will have noted physical signs that your mum is approaching end of life such as changes in breathing, pulse etc, changes which happen at certain points. Don't be afraid to ask them for a clear rationale as to why they think so if you want clarity and if it well help you.

Take care x

Thank You so very much for your kind words. Have arrived at the hospital now, will speak to the palliative care nurse as they normally call round every day.

i don’t want Mum to die, but equally it’s ******* awful watching her like this.

I’m also so, so sorry you’ve been through this with your Mum too.

xxx

So sorry to hear this , and hope you too are getting good support.  When we love someone so much our grief is also very hard to bear, but I pray that you will have loving happy memories .

The palliative care staff are very experienced and can usually tell when a patient is nearing the end, by their physical condition. It's usual for patients who are dying to become extremely tired, and they are more asleep in the last few days than they would be awake.  Gradually this sleepiness changes to semi consciousness as their body begins to shut down. The staff will be there to support you and ensure your mum is kept comfortable .  It's such a privilege to share the last journey  with our loved ones , they gave us life, and it's so special to share with them as they leave theirs .  Thinking of you  and"  may flights of angels guide her to her rest  "xx