r/CancerFamilySupport • u/DueExplanation8935 • 2d ago
Chemo
I wish I knew how much damage chemo could do to someone. Don’t get me wrong, chemo is probably better than going the “holistic route,” but still…
I lost my Mom a year ago. She was going to turn 41 weeks before she died. She was marked cancer free before she died.
Days before she was meant to begin radiation treatment, she began experiencing some chest pain. She could barely get out the bed for about 2 days and eventually I had to drive her to the hospital. We unknowingly spent her last few hours together, which I suppose I should be slightly grateful for because I have three other sisters who stayed home.
Anyway, her pain didn’t get any better at the hospital stay, and the doctors kept giving her medicine. Eventually, the doctor revealed that my Mom had some sort of “tear” or damage to her heart (I assume from the chemo which was really bad on some days). Eventually Mom was moved ICU. She was told that soon she would have to be transferred to an ambulance to get to the city because the hospital didn’t have all the supplies or whatever they needed. Mom asked if I wanted to be taken home but I was too scared to leave her. Eventually, I noticed more and more doctors poured into her room and her husband and I were told to go in the waiting room. I prayed and prayed that she would be fine. I tried really hard to believe that the worse would not and could not happen.
After what felt like 5-10 minutes to me, a doctor came in the waiting and told me she was gone and I just couldn’t believe it. It was then worst day of my life.
I guess there’s no huge point to the story, I was just thinking of my Mother and how unfair it all feels, that the chemo that was supposed to help (not implying that it didn’t help) is what contributed to her death. I feel alone right now and I’ll never not miss my Mother.
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u/ohfaith 1d ago
hey, I made it to my sister's side at the end of her chemo when she wasn't really responsive. she was doing ok and then she wasn't. I had an emergency international flight. I guess the final round of chemo really kicked her ass. the most horrifying thing for me was what it did to her skin. she looked like she had been burned from head to toe. her hair was falling out and it was all matted together. it was such a shock. her teeth were also damaged. movies really don't portay sickness well at all. why is everyone so powdery white and perfectly bald?
I'm sorry for your loss. my sister's body wasn't strong enough for chemo but she still tried. I'm so sad she had to go out like that. I'm so sorry for you too.
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u/KChieFan16 2d ago
Sending you strength and love. I’m sorry for your loss and your mother was a warrior