7th October 

Today is peaceful for Mum but early on she seemed to be pulling at the sheets and I am sure she wanted to go to the toilet. In the end they did an ultrasound on her bladder and she had 800 mls. The decided to give her a catheter because she just won't let go. A lady to the end! This is all so undignified. The nursing staff took out her bottom teeth too because they kept falling out. Later mum wanted me to take her upper dentures out because they were too dry. I cleaned them but as they too are falling out they have stayed out now. More indignity.  Her breathing is very wet sounding because the swallow reflex has stopped.

Peter and Tim were here this morning so it was the whole family and we were glad for each other. The Doctor Padmina has been so kind and helpful and has suggested that the weakness she is having on her left side could be attributed to the cancer going to her brain or perhaps a small stroke. But she said Mum was adamant that she wanted no investigation or tests so they are only informed speculation. 

Yesterday afternoon my cousin Diane came to visit which was nice but we talked a

 lot about people's views on death and how someone was too scared to come because they were afraid of crying and upsetting Mum.  I said Mum wouldn't be upset and that at least crying expresses your concern about the other person. People don't know what to say, this I understand.we will all be crying soon enough.  I have certainly started to 'leak' at the edges. I shed more than a few tears yesterday when it was just Mum an I. The nurse who has come on tonight said Mum is on track so I hope it isn't too much longer for her. She can hear but mostly she sleeps.

The irrational feeling I am having is that I am not doing enough for her. It is out of my hands really and apart from telling her she is not alone and spraying her mouth to keep it moist, there is little anyone can do. I am reluctant to go home but I also want to leave and be amongst the living. I went out to have lunch in the garden today just because it is so heartbreaking and the sun and the blossom is so soothing. A crow came and perched right overhead. Is it a sign of something?