Oh, that is such a lot to contend with now. May things look up for you and the rest of the family very soon.

What a shame, sometimes it does seem to go in clumps like that.

Re: your mom--I don't know all the details, of course. But have you considered looking into getting some help? If she's on Medicare, they may pay for in home aids. If her illness is serious--I know you may not want to hear this--but Medicare will even pay for hospice care. Understand, that hospice is not just for the last few days/weeks of a person's life. IF she qualifies, you'll have a whole support staff, who will stay wity your family as long as needed (the hospice organization we used for my aunt has one client who they've been tending for over 6 years). They repeatedly told me that they lament the fact that most people wait too long to ask for their help. They do so much--providing nurses, aids, equipment, medication and supplies. THey also have music therapists, volunteers to come in and read to the patient, chaplain, grief counselling. We paid not one penny for all those services--the hospice group accepted what medicare paid them and didn't ask us for anything else.

I know, the thought of hospice care comes with a stigma--it maybe feels as if you're 'giving up'?--but do consider at least checking them out. It was a godsend to have so many other people helping us during a difficult time.

Hang in there--you're doing the right thing, being there. Your unhelpful brother will be, in the end, the one who loses out. And hoping you'll feel better soon.

Awwwww, ((((Kathy)))) you have way too much on your plate for one person. I'm so sorry. My Prayers and good thoughts are going out for your Precious Mom, and you and your family. I'll never understand why bad things happen to good people, and in your case....things getting HEAPED on you. I can only say I Pray better days are ahead for you. (((((((Hugs))))))) Dottie

Oh, dear, so much at once. I know a lot of us wish we could help. Sending hugs and good thoughts, anyway.

Susan

I am sorry so many bad things are happening all at once. Thinking of you.

Hang in there - GOD bless you and your family as you face these trying times - I will add you all to my prayer list.

I know how bad luck always comes together. The week my Dad died in 1998, my parents dog needed an operation and my Mom's stove broke. Hang in there, this too shall pass...

Kathy please take care of yourself. Try to get some in-home care for your mom.

I am sorry to hear of all things happening at once. Please consider the Hospice or some home care - you can only do so much.

May God bless all of you and help everyone get through this.

((((Kathy)))) I'm so sorry about your mom and then not having much help on top of things. I agree with everyone else, maybe it's time to ask for help. We get so many patients who are so hard to care for, I don't know how the families do it sometimes.

Kathy, I sorry to hear of your troubles. When I'm sick, my mind is sooooo much more negative; I think when you're feeling better life won't seem quite so daunting. Not that you don't have a ton on your plate! I really hope you won't let your brother off the hook--make him feel good and guilty if that's what it takes. He has to change his thought process and include his ill mother--can you sit down with him and your sister and draw up a schedule? That way he won't feel like you're springing anything on him. Feel better and come here to vent any time. There's a lot of wisdom from the folks here!

I'm so sorry to hear that you are having to deal with so many bad things all at once like this. I pray that tomorrow brings as many good things to you as the bad that's hit you now.

Shirley

Take care of yourself, sorry for your trouble. I did want to add to the conversation regarding hospice - amazing people, but you must not be seeking treatment to engage them...

I will find out tomorrow what mom's prospects are as far as life expectancy. So far she has been the miracle cancer beater.
I have a social worker's card saying they can get her in home care. Right now mom is lucid and bossy and is starting to take more of a role in her own care.
Meanwhile, I put up a dry erase board listing the things I did today. I am telling my sister to do the same. I think brother basically thinks since mom is mentally fine - there is not much to do.
I have brother written down to take her to her radiation treatment on Friday.
I agree being sick and very tired isn't helping the situation any.
Thankfully, I am feeling a little better.
Tomorrow she goes for rad treatments and a pet scan so I will go shopping for 2 hours. Her cancer doc will see us at 2:15 and we will know the results of the scan.
Thanks all. Your caring posts made me cry. I'll let you know how we make out tomorrow.
Kathy

Kathy, you are all in my prayers.

Tami

(((Kathy)))

(((((( Kathy)))))))