Yesterday my mom's doctor said it may be time for hospice. She has not been well the last couple of months and has gotten much worse the last two weeks---sleeping more, having trouble standing first thing in the morning and sometimes later in the day, and being very unsteady on her feet when she walks. She's also developed small tremors in her hands.

We had to cancel her appointment with the doctor yesterday because she couldn't stand up long enough for us to get her in or out of the car.

When I called the doctor to tell him that, he said she needed to go to the hospital for evaluation and then said I may want to consider hospice, pending the outcome of her tests.

I'm not really surprised, given her deterioration, but I'm a little numb.

I've read far more than I've posted here, but I've always been grateful for having this place to come to. Thank you.

Hi Sarah, So sorry to read about your mom. I know how you feel when the Dr. says something like that. Even though you know and are expecting it it is not an easy time. I will be keeping you and your mom in my prayers.
northernlights

Same here Sarah. I am so, so, sorry. Sometimes I think I know to much, if that is possible. But there is no way to prepare, for this part, there is just no way. I'm glad you are numb, I think it is God's way of protecting our hearts. Just for a little while anyway.

You & your dear sweet Mamma, will be in my Prayers, as well. You have been, and are, an awesome daughter. I hope you KNOW that, deep in your bones.

I've got you in my thoughts too - I know this is so hard. It's an outward acceptance of something none of us want to accept.

Grits,

Don't feel guilt or sadness about having hospice come in. Hospice is not going to slow down or speed up the progression of this disease.

You'll find a lot of comfort for yourself. Let them do everything they will and don't try to handle it all.

Hospice does not mean the end is close. Bill was on hospice three weeks short of one year.

I know none of this makes it any easier and I will be praying for you and your mother.

I'm so sorry Sarah, whenever there are these big changes and downturns it is really hard. I know I sobbed out loud like a baby on my husband's shoulder the other night because of my mom, it is just hard. Joyce has good advice, she knows, been there, so one never knows how long it will be.

Take care and keep us posted,

~Kelly~

Bringing in hospice was the hardest thing I ever did and yet it turned out to be the best thing I ever did. They are there to help and are of great comfort.

Keeping you in my prayers.

Sarah,

I am keeping you in my prayers. It is so sad when it becomes apparent that our LO's are going downhill. No matter how prepared we think we are, when it actually acknowledged, it still is still a shock to us.

Hospice is a chance to let them help you as well as your Mom in keeping her comfortable and well cared for. They are definitely a good source of compassion for you, and are always ready to answer any of your concerns and questions about the stage of life Mom is in.

Again, you are in my prayers.