My mother is still undergoing chemo for her stage IV appendiceal cancer with metastasis to her liver, but after low platelets last week she had to skip chemo. Since then, when she usually rebounds a bit when she's off chemo, she has instead gotten worse for reasons that aren't clear - her diarrhea and cramping has gotten worse, her fatigue and appetite have gotten worse too. When I told her nurse these symptoms she prescribed her a new antidiarrheal, which helped some but she is still so weak and in pain. These days, all the bad days feel like they last forever, and some days Im not even sure if she'll be there when I wake up (maybe dramatic but she is so thin and weak and struggling it doesn't seem like a stretch). I had hopes for her to move in with me when I buy a house later this year but it seems less and less likely she will survive until then.

When did you know it was time for hospice or full time care? I'm run ragged trying to stay with her part of the week while living far away, working, and having my own life. And even when I'm with her I spend the time feeling helpless and afraid. Her doctor hasn't given the impression that things aren't going well, but if she doesn't improve before her next chemo I'm afraid what chemo would do to her.