Mum pancreatic cancer, on syringe driver how long?

[ILoveaSunflower]

Looking for a hand hold and some advice.
Mum was diagnosed 8 weeks ago with stage 4 pancreatic cancer that has metastasized to the liver.
Her decline has been shockingly rapid and she is now on a hospital bed at home with a syringe driver for the pain.
I have been spending as much time as I can over there but also trying to work ful time with two kids.
I'm wondering if she's nearing the end and I should get signed off to be there with her everyday? Or if I've got longer?

So sorry for you both. It being so quick you all did not have the time digest, plan and just make a few more memories is very hard.

My experience is that once on the driver and eating stops less than 12 days. However if still managing protein shakes that could be made longer. Sorry to be harsh but not always best for more days at this stage. If she only has a few more days I hope they are peaceful for her. Say anything you have to say now just in case.

Dad was put on the morphine driver on a Wednesday and passed on the Sunday.

He too had pancreatic cancer. It really is an awful one.

I've got myself signed off and I'm with her now. She's so much worse than even a few days ago but says not in pain so that's good.
She can't stay awake for more than one minute and is only taking little sips of everything.
I'm so glad I came now.

I’m really glad you’re there OP. Sending you best wishes xx

My GP friend said 2 weeks from start of syringe driver, but likely less.

Sending a gentle hand hold and lots of strength at this awful time. It’s good that she is not in pain. Remember she may not be able to communicate but she can still hear you ❤️

I’m glad you’re with her. So sorry for what you’re going through

Thinking of you, @ILoveaSunflower

Sending you love and strength.
Glad she is not in pain . It's the hardest thing. I hope the time you spend with her now brings you comfort in the coming weeks.

Well done OP you are doing well. It can be harrowing but make the most of it while she is able to talk. I was with my mum for 3 days but sadly she wasn't vocal. Hold her hand/stroke it if it isn't too painful for her and remind her how much you love her.
Be kind to yourself as it can be very traumatic.

Love and strength to you.

Syringe drivers are a blessing. They are the wholly compassionate, acceptable method of assisted dying that everyone at end of life care knows about but nobody needs to say.

Totally agree. My only massive regret is that I didn’t understand this when they gave my mum one with my consent in the hospice. My sisters arrived too late to see her awake in her last week

Sending you and your lovely mum so much love….bless you both xx

Yes I didn't know this with my granny, but by the time it came to my mum and dad I knew what "It's time for the syringe driver" meant.

All love and compassion to OP and I am glad she is taking the time to be with her mum.

my other eye opening moment was when my aunt was dying of cancer and wasn’t given a syringe driver as not in a hospice but a care home. Hospice was full.
she had an truely awful last few weeks. As a devout Catholic she felt she was being punished yet had lived a life of service to her community