My Sister
We arrived in Tucson at my niece's home about 5 PM on Saturday. My sister, Bobbi, had fallen into a coma early in the day. I immediately sat beside her bed, held her hand, spoke to her and stroked her head. She seemed to respond to me, turning her head toward me.
Her breathing was labored and soon slowed down. She would take a deep breath then there would be nothing for 30 seconds, then longer and longer between breaths. And then she stopped breathing about 6 PM. My niece had been telling her all day that I was coming. We are convinced that she knew I was there and then she passed away peacefully.
Bobbi was 62. Two months ago she thought life was going along just fine. Then she developed stomach problems, went to emergency and gallstones were diagnosed. In prep for surgery they discovered a blockage in her pancreatic duct. She was in extreme stess. After internal endoscopies doctors determined she had masses in both pancreas and liver. The outlook was grim and chemo would add only a brief time to her life.
She opted for no chemo. She was heavily medicated for pain and with the help of a wonderful hospice organization was able to fly with her daughter from Florida to Tucson to live her last days with hospice help at her daughter's home. Even as I write I just think, my God, how can this happen so fast. I've had just about enough of this damnable "C" word!
She was courageous to the end. She tried her best to get her life in order and to live with joy almost until the last day. I'm sorry I couldn't be with her when she was still aware. I'm glad that we are able to be here to help out her daughter's family to deal with the trauma and stress.
We cannot say enough good words about the hospice organization. Their goal is to make the patient comfortable AND to counsel and assist the family through the final hours of a loved one. They helped us all deal with and get through a very emotional experience. I thank them.