hollie

Hi,
My Aunt has not passed away yet. She will though any time soon. She has not had any food or drink since Monday. When I speak to her on the phone she does not respond but I know she hears me. It has been a hard week for myself and family. I will let you all know when she does pass on. Thanks again to all of you. THe other day I went through old posts and had a good cry. Been having a few too many good cries lately. Once the tears start flowing it is hard to stop them.

Things have definatley worrsened for my Aunt. The live in care taker ended up not working out. She was not there for the right reasons and did not work out. As of lastnight a new lady moved in to be with her in her house till the end. I pray it works out this time and my Aunt can be as comfortable as possible. Hospice is also going to start coming in 3 times per week or more if need. Aunt Sophie is almost bedridden and very weak now. She will not be getting the drain any longer for the ascites either. The doctor feels she is too weak and it may be causing the fluid to come back faster. I am hoping to get down to see her real soon. My sister is going this weekend and I will the next. My Mom, her only sister is due to come to Ca. from Iowa in July. I hope it is not too late. My Aunt is able to talk on the phone and actually sounds ok but I know she is not. She has also said the whites of her eyes are turning yellow. All along I hear people talk about jaundice and this has not been an issue in 2 and a half years till now. She is not eating much at all either and I just hope she is going to be ok these last days here on earth. I know some of you here think of her because she used to be such a big part of the discussions. I would each of you to know that God has promised comfort for the tears, strength for the day and light for the way. With love, Hollie

Hi Everyone, I really appreciate your thoughts. Darla, I agree with you that this is so hard for all involved. Also that sometimes a quick end to the physical and emotional pain is better than a long process. My Aunt’s mind is so sharp but her body is giving up. It has been really painful to see her fail slowly but surely over the past two years. Sometimes I wonder how this disease is so different for so many patients. For example, my Aunt has never been jaundice. Seems like so many are. Kris, you are a true inspiration! I just wish I could give you a big hug. You are going through your own fight and have a heart bigger than life. You are a very special person. Gavin, you too have an incredible compassion as you know first hand the struggles and sadness this cancer brings. All of you out there mean a lot to not only myself but to my Aunt. She is not actively involved here any longer due to the circumstances, but is praying and being updated by me as to what is going on in so many people’s lives that have touched her by this. One other symptom my Aunt Sophie has that most do not is the ascites. To me that is the one thing that has caused my aunt the most pain and discomfort. Also the mouth sores. SHe has been through so much and to me I just can’t understand why one has to endure so much. She really is a strong women to keep waking up, taking the pills, forcingherself to eat and going to the doctors. Also keeping up on watering the plants and paying the bills, all by herself. Till now that is. I pray this new care taker is just what she needs in her life to help her get through these next days. Thanks for listening and for all of your support. This web site is a God send. So nice to have people who understand to talk to. Even my husband tells me I am taking on so much and stressing. I admit I do stress and worry and try to take time and clear my mind from the uncertainties. Sometimes it is hard. Love and prayers to all, Hollie

Hi,
I just read all your posts to my Aunt and she appreciates all the advise and concern. You all are so caring, supportive and just sweet. She has tried most of the suggestions and nothing works. What is so strange is how she has been off chemo for almost a year and why the sores. She said it must be because of a compromised immune system. It just breaks my heart for all people suffering from this cancer and any cancer. Will be in touch. Please take care and God bless you all. Love, Hollie