Savvy, I hear you....cancer sucks. And now you have to take some time for yourself and your mother. Time to hold her hand, and tell her how much you love her, and how much you're going to miss her. Tell her how much she means to you, even if it doesn't seem like she's listening. It will matter to both of you.
She may rally a little after her body starts to shake off the effects of the Alimta, and you may have a few weeks of time to spend together. Just because she's coming home to hospice doesn't mean that she's leaving you right now.
Here's a tip: set up a caring bridge website for family and friends, and let them all know about it. Then, you can post all the things you want people to know, they will get the news right away, and can send their wishes. They won't need to bother you with calls, and if there's something you need, (like space and peace), you can ask for it. You'll be surprised at how helpful it will be having a central gathering place for your family's information. Go to
www.caringbridge.org, and set up a web page, put in whatever you want to share about your mom, and then send links to family. Whenever anyone asks, refer them to the site, and you can save your energy for yourself and your mom and dad.
Hospice will have some great information for you, once you get through the admission paperwork. Lean on them, and listen to their wisdom. Try to hear what they're saying, instead of what you want to hear. Really listen to your mom. You'll be glad you did.
from one who is eternally grateful for every moment we shared, even the hard moments at the end.
Stephany in Iowa