Good evening, @kj9, I jumped across the block and over to this group when I saw your post about your Mom. I thought it might be helpful to share my Mom's story of "taking control". My Mom had breast cancer that metastasized into other areas. All of a sudden, she started eating only bananas and creme-filled vanilla cookies. I talked with the folks in the dining hall and they couldn't get anywhere with her. She simply stayed in her room rather than go down for dinner.

So....she was moved to a sheltered area with more surveillance and given an appetite enhancer. Suffice it to say that her cognitive decline became more inclusive of body self-care and she was released to an even more intensive care level. At that time she stopped communicating even when I took her around the rose gardens in her wheelchair. I don't really think she ever spoke again. My suspicion was that controlling her food intake was one of the last decisions she could make on her own.

I wish you the very best in the care for your Mom. Just try to be non-judgemental. I am sure I will be depressed at that time in my life also. I am 78 now and I already see things very differently. Quality of life for me is starting to mean so much more than the quantity of life.

Bring her lots of love and warm hugs and share them generously.

May you be content and at peace.
Chris