Postby ammthere 4mom » Fri Jan 30, 2015 2:11 am
I am deeply saddened to relay the news of my mother's passing on Tuesday, January 27th. Following several months of decline, mom began experiencing significant breathing difficulties. She was prescribed an inhaler, nebulizer and then oxygen. All helped some but not much. There were two challenging weeks of significant shortness of breath and attendant loss of sleep, decreased appetite and, in her words, she felt "really lousy" most of the day. After refusing to go to the hospital for four days, she woke up after a good night's sleep on 1/22 and ate a full breakfast, lunch and drank normal quantities of fluids. Despite this apparent rebound, she decided to go to the hospital to see if they would accelerate the planned thoracentesis. She had two glorious, alert, restful and pain free days in the hospital and then she rapidly declined with multiple organ failure. As per her wishes, we discontinued life support and spent an incredibly peaceful 8 hours with her, watching her sleep and talking with her. Her passing, while heartbreaking, was incredibly peaceful and graceful.
I sought out the colon club when mom was first diagnosed and was immediately reassured that we could handle this diagnosis. I have laughed and cried with all of the clubbers, frequently shedding tears when a member's journey ended. All in all, the Club kept me sane in an insane situation. Thank you is insufficient but it is all I have.
To all those who are newly diagnosed, please remember that estimates of survival are just that, estimates. Mom was given 24 months and she lived 5.5 years; years filled with love and fun. Live life and know that everyone will continue to be in my prayers.
Anne-Marie
Daughter and caregiver to mom, 72 @ dx in 7/09
Stage IV with mets to liver and lung
8/09-7/12: 24 rounds of Folfiri + 12 rounds Folfox
2013: Zeloda and Stivarga, then 36 rounds of 5FU
10/2014 back to Folfiri