Annie, I'm sorry about your Mom. It's very hard to have a parent who is ill.

Morphine may be what is causing her not to breathe well. It sent my breathing into the moderately severe range. For someone with emphysema, it can make them worse. I know she needs something but maybe it's not the best option. I hope a good pulmonologist is helping her.

I know I sound like a broken record about vitamin B12 but it is such a common deficiency in older people. It may look like dementia, or Alzheimer's, when someone does not even have that.

I'm really sorry she is having such a hard time. You too. I was very stressed out when my Dad at the end of his life. You HAVE TO take care of yourself too. Take some time to take care of you, whatever is good for you to do. It's a very powerless feeling when someone you love is so sick. All any of us can really do is be there and love them.

I hope your Mom will get the care she needs. Hang in there.

Annie