Cancer Support

I tried and tried to get her to get her card, and finally after 2 years of nagging, she did. Unfortunately, she was reluctant to use it, and by the time she did, it was really too late. I strongly encourage that your mother try using it now.

I wish I could give you good advice on how to handle this, but it's such an individual thing. I did my best to stay as upbeat as possible, when ever I was with my sister, even at the end when she was so debilitated, and actually pretty much paralyzed.I would just chat, or simply sit and hold her hand. If she needed her head rubbed, we rubbed her head. Her nose itched, we scratched it, for her. When I helped the hospice nurse take care of my sister's personal needs, we always tried to keep a sense of humor about it. We would talk about fond memories and laugh as much as possible.

Towards the very end, I swallowed hard and had 'that talk' with her, telling her how much I loved her and how blessed I was to have her as a sister. And I reassured her that her husband and kids would be fine, since making sure of that would be my new life's mission. So she didn't need to worry. And she knew that, already, so my saying it was more for me, than for her.

I am so sorry you have to go through this. Please know I will keep you in my thoughts.