mother has decided to go off of oxygen

[victorss]

mom is 79 years old.  she has been on oxygen for many years as well as medication.  recently she has gotten worse
and the doctor put her on a full mask oxygen deliverly unit.  she doesn't care for this and she wants to spend her last days without it and the attorney-in fact for her health care called us to tell us she is voluntarily taking the mask off tomorrow.  they have promised us that they are going to make her as comfortable as possible but no one knows what will happen or expect to happen.  what will happen from now  once she removes the oxygen.  what can we expect and do you have any suggestion for medications (like sedation) that may help her not to suffer.
Thank You


This discussion is related to Final Stage Emphysema.

[Linda111]

My aunt was told they will give her morphine and she will not suffer.  

[lynnkay]

Linda111 is quite correct. They will most probably give your Mother moraphine. My heart goes out to you. I do understand what you are currently going through. I lost my Mother last year to idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. She passed away 4 mths. after a lung transplant. The last week of her life, she was put on moraphine. It eased her suffering greatly. She never spoke another word to us, but at least she was comfortable. Two months after my dear Momma's death, I was diagnosed with COPD...Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. Six months before Momma's death, my only brother was diagnosed with COPD as well. I am 51 and going to fight this disease as long as the good Lord allows. But, I imagine that your Mother is just tired, after so many years of being ill. I am sure I will reach that point one day myself. I have left specific plans to my children, that there are certain things I do not want done to me. No respirator, etc. if my quality of life is gone and there is nothing further that can be done for me. This will be put in a living will as well. Hardest words I had to whisper in my Momma's ear, was for her to let go. She could not respond to me, but I know in my heart that she heard me. My heart hurts for your Mother, you and your family. These words may help you or they may not...but your Mother is ready to let go. May God give you all comfort during this time. I know it is very, very difficult and painful. My Mother was in horrible shape. She was in the hospital 4 mths. after the lung transplant. She got to go home for 2 days. It broke my heart, but I couldn't bear to see her suffer anymore. I knew when they put her on the moraphine, that her battle was about to be over. She went peacefully. Hospice many times gives moraphine to terminally ill patients. I promise you it does ease the suffering. My prayers are with you during this time.