I’m so sorry for the loss of your mom and best friend. Sometimes words just aren’t enough to convey the level of sympathy. But having lost my mom to cancer, I can feel your pain, emptiness and the helplessness when there was literally nothing you could do to make her better. I think being able to be with a loved one when it’s their time is a final gift we can give.

From all you’ve shared, it sounds like your mom’s cancer was very advanced. When cancer has taken over multiple organs like that and with your mom’s symptoms, her doctors used compassion in arranging hospice for her to ease her end times. I’ve been through this many times with loved ones and friends. Sadly, there comes point in the illness when chemo or surgery would not be successful and cause more trauma than the body can handle. There is simply nothing more that can be done except to try to keep someone comfortable with medication.

Again, I’m just so sorry for your loss. I’m a firm believer that when we lose someone close to us, like our mother, they continue to live on through us and give us unbelievable strength. They’re so connected to us that they become a part of us. Sending you a gentle hug.