Morphine Drip?

Question

My mom is dying of Cervical Cancer. The cancer has spread to her major organs and she has a few days to live. I am devastated because she is only 54 and my mom and I were very close. My mom was in so much pain yesterday that the doctor gave her a higher dose of Morphine. It was terrible to see her screaming in such pain. I went to see her today, and she was sleeping the entire time, and I was relieved that she was not screaming in pain anymore. I talked to her, and told her how much she means to me, and I was wondering if she could hear me? Can anyone answer this? I am not sure if she could or not.

Answer 1

hard to say.
I'm afraid if she was ASLEEP the morphines got her DEEP "in a loop" and she wouldn't be able to focus on your conversation.

I don't hear (comprehend) people while I'm sleeping unless it wakes me up.

I've been on 120mg of morphine and could operate machinery, drive, goto class, pass, and have conversations and remember all of it.

But at least you know she's feeling better.
Be sure to stop by as often as possible to catch her waking hours.

best of luck to your mom and you.

keep talking though. Its just as powerful for you as it is for her.
I don't pray...... but I will for you.

Answer 2

I had this same question when my dad died. It's a terrible, emotional struggle to work through the guilt but in the end I decided that that was the way Dad would have preferred to go....peaceful, fast and with dignity. He had asked his cancer doctor if he could promise he'd have no pain at the end and the doctor kept his word. A month after Dad died a friend of ours also was dying of cancer and her doctor was not given permission to use unlimited morphine. I'll never forget her begging for the morphine but they wouldn't give it to her until the clock said it was time. It went on for several weeks. When cancer gets advanced, there really isn't anything that can be done but make someone comfortable. Be thankfully your father did not suffer in the end. I know...easier said than done. I hope you find the peace you are looking for. I did.

Answer 3

I'm so sorry honey, I'm in pretty much the same situation with my mother in law. She too, has cervical cancer that has spread. She has been on and off morphine for a couple of months now, and while morphine is one of the stronger painkillers, it can "muddle" alot of your senses, disorient you, and make you sleep alot. I would bet that she's able to hear you when you talk yes, but when she's sleeping, she's sleeping just like we do. I wish I could help you, but stay strong, and talk to her and hold her hand as much as you can. I'm praying for you and your mother, and if you need to talk, or just let it out, please email me. God bless you.

Answer 4

Hey sweety;
Your Mom hears you, a mother always knows her childs thoughts, feelings and awareness - that was set in while you were still in the womb!! Talk to her, assure her that you will be alright, she will fight for everything in her being because of YOU! Tell her it's ok.....you will be ok....At this time it is so difficult for me to sit here and tell you to be strong for her, but to know that you are not alone, to know that there are so many wonderful things you have in these moments, make them last as long as you can. Be positive! That is the strongest words when it comes to cancer in any way shape or form. I have been where you are now, my comfort was to know that soon there will be no more pain, and with saying that smile and know she will always be with you! God Bless !!

Answer 5

wow.... my sorrows go to you.... i have skin cancer at the moment... but in no way in hell can i relate to what youre feeling right now...

especially since its your mom...

but... as an avid (not proud) user of opiates throughout my life.... i know that sometimes you can take in information when you're sleepin due to the drug....like morphine. its iffy.... and chances are she didn't hear you... and im terribly sorry to say that.... but the chance that she did..... and the fact that you'll never know.... i guess until she wakes up and tells you....if she deemed necessary... makes things better...in a sense.

my advice dude... is to keep telling her the same thing. if she tells you to stop saying it... obviously she's heard you the past 100 times... if not... maybe ONCE in a few hundred she heard you... chances are on your side. i dunno much about cervical cancer... but i know where the cervix is and i know cancer can hurt... so i can only imagine educatedly.... if i was religious... this is where i would pray for you..... now i only seek your insight..... as there is a chance i can face your mother's demise.... but this quesiton is not about me...


stay with her as much as you can. if other's complain... don't bother arguing with them. if a few days is all you got with your ma.... make it seem like eternity to her... if all she really knows is another five minutes..... "f" the other poeple... you can deal with them for the rest of your life.... your mother's death is a one-time thing... and should be taken as serious as if it was your own...

i'm not 100% if all my intended messages got through the way i wanted... but hopefully they did.

good luck....

Answer 6

my dear friend im so sorry to hear about your mom, i just lost my mother to cancer, and it was devastating to see her suffer from the sickness and pain. she to was given morphine (a lot). the last thing to go is the hearing, so yes she heard you say how much you love her. she knows very well. continue to let her know shes loved and its ok to go to the lord. she loves you too. may god be with you and your family thru this mourning period. im here if you need any one to talk to. ive been in the same spot you are.

Answer 7

i believe she could. even if you don't think so, treat her as if she can. always. i can't tell you how sad i am to hear of your mom's illness. my heart truly goes out to you and her. my mom and sis could hear everything i said to them. they just couldn't respond. the meds do that. it's awful but, better than the pain. her meds may actually be upped again before her time comes but remember to talk to her as if she can hear you. please know that you're all in my prayers . d
EDIT- i read some of the other answers. with all due respect to mlgable-while i agree you shouldn't be afraid to touch your mom, be gentle.stroking her back,arms or legs could be painful for her as the cancer can be just under the skin. this is what happened with my sister. i know she is on heavy doses of morphine but just be gentle.

Answer 8

At about this time she doesn't only hear you, she hears and sees angels. I feel your pain, at the same time I feel your relief. You will be with her in dreams real soon. As death is a protest against stagnation, she is leaving us too soon. God has a greater need for her and is graduating her from this planet school. May all your angels and guides be at your side along with your family. I am sorry for everything you, your family and your mom must go through. Please let her know it is okay to go, that she has made you a strong person and will take care of those things that were important to her in her life.
God bless us all...

Answer 9

I am so very sorry to hear about your mom.

I went through the same horrible thing with my mom.

I have been in the medical profession for over 30 years and I believe in my heart that every word you speak to your mom is heard. By her, by God, and by your guardian angels who are very close right now.

Over the years, I have watched people pass and have come to the conclusion that yes, they do hear every single whispered word you say.
I just wish I had said more to my own mother.

Answer 10

Yes she can hear you. Hearing is the last sense to go. When you visit her tell her everything you want to tell her as she can hear you. She may be comfortable from the meds but can hear and understand you even if she doesn't respond. Hold her hand, stroke her hair or rub her back. She will appreciate it all. Do not be afraid to touch her as she is still your mother.