What can I do?
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| Thu, 01-22-2009 - 6:35pm |
My aunt is in her final stages of a year long battle of metastic cancer. She is at home now, and receiving hospice care. I have been very close to her for years...she doesn't have any children, and I feel like I have been one to her. Throughout her treatment I would go with her to dr appts and to chemo...but now I don't know what to do. My uncle has taken time off work to be with her, but I think that they both think she has some time left...I really don't. I think maybe weeks. (Although, I have no medical training). She has a hard time breathing due to fluid building up around her lungs, and she is in a lot of pain, and has no energy. She looks and sounds much much older than her 58 years. I don't know if I'm supposed to hang out with her and pretend like she's going to get better (which she's not)...or what? I also don't know how to prepare my kids. My daughter is 9, and she knows that Nana has stopped getting any more chemo...and that she won't live forever...my son is 4 1/2...he just knows that Nana is very very sick. My brother died last year, so they have both already suffered through dealing with the death of a close family member.
I don't even know what I'm saying now, I've rambled on now. I just wish someone could tell me what to expect, or how to act.


Hello, Racheld, and welcome. My heart goes out to you during this difficult time. You have had a lot on your plate! It does sound as if your aunt is preparing to leave you and her loved ones. My daddy's lungs kept filling up with fluid and there came a time when nothing more could be done for him. I stood by his bedside for 3 days before he passed. He passed peacefully and without pain.
As for being with your aunt right now, I'm sure it's extremely comforting to her, especially since the 2 of you are so close. I say to follow your heart. I'm sure it will be