After losing my father recently, I am concerned about helping my depressed mom who also suffers from advanced stages of bladder cancer as well complications arising from previous surgeries. Any suggestions for literature are welcomed. Thank you.
AutumnalSunshine on
I’m sorry you’re facing this. My father was in a similar situation shortly after my mom’s death.
Before I share suggestions, I have a few questions. You’re asking for something to give her motivation and hope.
If her disease is truly terminal, rather than false hope, would uplifting looks at quality of life before dying be better?
Having to pretend there is hope when you know you are dying can cause isolation to avoid having to act positive around family. I’m wondering if she’s at a point where honesty and compassion rather than motivation and hope are needed.
*A Beginner’s Guide to the End: Practical Advice for Living Life and Facing Death* and *Being Mortal* and *When Breath Becomes Air* come to mind.
If your mom is at a point where hospice is appropriate (in the US, you’re usually hospice eligible when you have 6 or fewer months to live; hospice makes everything much easier by easing the way for needed meds, having equipment and meds sent to the house, etc), the hospice nurse and chaplain will also have great ideas. Hospice is very patient-focused, including treating mental and spiritual distress.
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After losing my father recently, I am concerned about helping my depressed mom who also suffers from advanced stages of bladder cancer as well complications arising from previous surgeries. Any suggestions for literature are welcomed. Thank you.
I’m sorry you’re facing this. My father was in a similar situation shortly after my mom’s death.
Before I share suggestions, I have a few questions. You’re asking for something to give her motivation and hope.
If her disease is truly terminal, rather than false hope, would uplifting looks at quality of life before dying be better?
Having to pretend there is hope when you know you are dying can cause isolation to avoid having to act positive around family. I’m wondering if she’s at a point where honesty and compassion rather than motivation and hope are needed.
*A Beginner’s Guide to the End: Practical Advice for Living Life and Facing Death* and *Being Mortal* and *When Breath Becomes Air* come to mind.
If your mom is at a point where hospice is appropriate (in the US, you’re usually hospice eligible when you have 6 or fewer months to live; hospice makes everything much easier by easing the way for needed meds, having equipment and meds sent to the house, etc), the hospice nurse and chaplain will also have great ideas. Hospice is very patient-focused, including treating mental and spiritual distress.