31 replies to this topic

[WreckWench]

Tina aka Twinklez and her mom need your well wishes, good thoughts and prayers. I asked her if I could share her journey with you and she agreed. I am copying an email from her which I hope she is ok with but the stark reality of the situation can not be summarized any better than her own heartfelt and anguished words.

Tina, I have you and your mom in my prayers and I pray you find the strength to deal with the task at hand, the patience to cherish each remaining moment and the grace to accept the outcome of the path you are on. Kamala

Tina wrote:
Ahh Kamala,
Things haven't gone so well. 1/12 I had to take mom to the ER due to dehydration from chemo. They found a clot in her left leg, a right pleural effusion and more lymph nodes affected by her cancer. They drained the fluid from the pleural effusion but the side effects of the chemo left her bedridden, not eating and quickly deteriorating. She was transferred to a hospice facility last Saturday. So here we sit and today they decided she's not dying yet so they want to send her home with me requiring 24-hour care that will not be covered by her medicare, nor does she qualify for a convalescent home. I am lucky if I can get her to consume a whole serving of Ensure each day but each day she does try to consume a small bit more. She has no control of her bodily functions right now and may never again. It's almost definite she will pass within 2-6 months and until then will need my full attention. I don't think I'll be seeing you any time soon. (She was planning to come to the Texas Dive Show). Please, keep us in your prayers.Tina

[Landlocked Dive Nut]

My heart goes out to both of them.

[Hipshot]

Tina, I can truly empathize. I've been my mom's caregiver for the past two years. You're both in my prayers.

Rick

[dustbowl diver]

Tina,

I too have walked in those shoes! My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family!!

Dustbowl Diver

[dive_sail_etc]

I as well have been through a similar experience. We are all here in spirit for you Tina, and hope you are able to take strength from knowing this.

Brad

[uwfan]

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your mom.

[drbill]

Wishing Tina the very best possible outcome in this... such a difficult and stressful situation.

[Capn Jack]

I feel so illiterate at times like this. So many feelings, and so few words that can express them.

Tina - please know that tj and I are thinking of you and your mom. Call me if you need anything.

Mark

[ScubaPunk]

You are a wonderful daughter Tina. Hang in there, and know we are thinking of you and your Mother.

[Mermaid Lady]

You both have mine.

[Twinklez]

Thank you - all of you, for your heartfelt thoughts and prayers. A year ago I would never have imagined being in this situation. Mom has made a conscious decision to discontinue all medical treatment other than palliative care. She has stopped eating completely and has significantly reduced her fluid intake. My brothers are upset with me for being supportive of Mom's decision. I stay here with her at the hospice 24 hrs. The Dr. told me it could be a couple of days or it could be a couple of months. It's like being in a bubble isolated from the rest of the world, and inside the bubble I'm on a wild rollercoaster that is out of control. It is very helpful to me to find things that remind me of life outside the bubble waiting for me after all of this is over. If Mom is sleeping I can do some of my work from here and when I can't work I try to read. The waking moments spent with Mom, though fleeting, are moments that I will cherish for all of my life. I know that months from now remembering these moments will help to heal me, just as the knowledge that there are so many people out there thinking about us and sending their prayers our way are helping me through this time now.

Thank you all. Your thoughts and prayers mean so much to me and lend to my strength.

Tina

[lynnlchan]

Tina - my heart goes out to you and your mom, you are both in my thoughts and prayers. It's especially hard when there's disagreement within a family. May your mom and family find peace.

L.

[WreckWench]

Thank you for the update...doubling up the prayers that the journey goes as smoothly as possible. I can't even imagine what I will do when its my mom in a similar situation.

Now is the time to ensure that for those of us who can...we have no regrets. Parents are perishable...do the things you wish you would have done NOW!!!

[Neptuner]

Our prayers are with you both Tina, I know this journey only too well.