Well.

[conuly]

We started at "optimistic", moved to "cautious", back up briefly to "hopeful", and now we've taken a distinct turn to "managing expectations".

And those expectations are pretty clear. My mother has always been adamant that she wants all measures taken, so given the choice between "keep her sedated until she passes" and "hole in throat" we went with option two, although the doctor was very firm that this isn't actually likely to give her any more time, not with the way things have turned. We're hoping for her to be conscious, aware, and alert, and maybe able to communicate with us even a little bit. Some patients do continue to improve after this point, but it doesn't sound like anybody thinks she's going to beat the odds there.

Still, as I said, you can't exactly "rage against the dying of the light" if you're not awake to do so, and while I'm not sure that my mother is a fan of Dylan Thomas, I am sure that she's a fan of random literary references dropped whenever there's an opening in the conversation, and also of the fact that I can recite absolute loads of poetry at the slightest provocation. She is also a fan of talking, and right now she has to be sedated. Moving forward, at least they could take her off the sedation and maybe she could find some way to join in the conversation again, at least... well.

So even though we're not there yet, there's no reason to think we won't be there really soon. Jenn and I are pretty sure that my mother would prefer donations to Memorial Sloan Kettering to flowers.

I may not be able to actually respond to well-wishes today or... anytime, honestly.

Comments

[baranduin]

No need to respond at all. Just know you're in my thoughts and hopes.

[cosmolinguist]

You never have to respond. Well wishes are a complete transaction already in themselves.

I send you my best wishes at this difficult time, and there's nothing you should or have to do about it.

[dark_phoenix54]

I read this post after commenting on the later one... I would never expect a response to wishes in these circumstances.

[nicki]

I hope things go as well as they could go. No need for a response.

[the_siobhan]

That sounds hard. I hope things go as well as possible.

[james]

*hugs*

[sabotabby]

Fuck. I'm sorry. That's an awful way to go.

[silver_chipmunk]

Sending prayers and good vibes.

[low_delta]

That's so stressful, having to make these kinds of decisions. I'm sorry to hear it.

[fox]

I’m very sorry you’re dealing with this, but I’m glad you know what she was wants and are able to do it.

[cellio]

I'm so sorry things have turned in that direction.

[alessandriana]

<3

[bitterlawngnome]

<3

(just best wishes ... no response expected)

[hashiveinu]

<3

[elayna]

I'm so sorry you and your family are having to go through this. *hugs*

[rmc28]

I'm so sorry.

[mtbc]

Goodness, I'm sorry to hear how things turned.

[zhelana]

*hugs* if you want them, my sympathy if you don't.

[loligo]

Wishing peace and comfort for all of you right now.

[silveradept]

Our condolences when the thing itself should happen, even as everyone holds out hope for a little more time.

[lassarina]

No response needed, but I'm so sorry and thinking of you. Love and warmth to you and yours.

[gatheringrivers]

{{{HUGS}}}

[roselightfairy]

I’m so sorry to hear all this. No need to respond, but I’m thinking about you and your family and hoping whatever happens is as gentle as possible.