My mother ended her battle with cancer yesterday after 10 months of struggle. It was a shocking and rapid decline over the course of a week or so. I really wish hospice would prepare caregivers for the experience of those final few days of "comfort" drugs - it is more horrifying than I ever imagined.

In the end, though, my mother passed peacefully with her two children by her side as she breathed her last breath. Her mother, brother, sister in law and nephew got to sit with her earlier in the day. I let her know that she had seen everyone who loved her over the last few days and that she could go now. Her eyes fluttered open for a few fleeting moments as I spoke to her, which was really a moving moment.

She was an independent and stubborn woman, and resisted losing her lucidity until it was her only option. She fought hard and maintained her humanity and dignity and I will miss her dearly for the rest of my life.

Editing to add - so many thanks to this group. You are all such strong and caring people and your support has been a lifeline during this horrible experience. I will stick around and hope to pay it forward to those in a similar situation.