it's so hard to read this, and still feel whole inside.

We went to see her Neurologist today 1) because we made the appt. months ago and 2) because Grandma wanted to ask some very specific questions. Mom/Grandma is more open and willing to talk about death now. She wanted to know what to expect in her body, what might ultimately cause her to die. The doc said she could see a few signs of end of life, like Mom/Grandma's recent more difficulty swallowing. The doc said she suspects it will be less than a year, but more than a couple of months. If the swallowing gets so bad she can not eat regular food we'll have to puree it. If/when she can no longer swallow even the pureed food they could put in a feeding tube, but Mom said "NO", so then we/they/she would just 'let nature take it's course'.
Often for Parkinson's patients and other old people, an infection of some kind comes up and that is what finally takes them. The doc today recommended no antibiotics or hospital if we suspect an infection. We agreed. So if she aspirates fluids too many times she could get pneumonia. She could get a urinary tract infection that could spread in her body. Something like that may arise in which case we would keep her home, keep her as comfortable as possible and let the infection do what it will. And/or a sudden heart attack could take her at any time. That's where we are.
Love to you all,
Louisa

She is so strong.