Is she being cared for at her parents? Is hospice involved?

Hospice is a God send for most people. They are able to keep the patient as comfortable as any hospital could, without the "hospital" environment.

As far as visiting goes...

I too work in the MR/DD field and have grown close to many, many clients over the years. Watching their pure joy while experiencing something that we would take for granted makes developing that closeness so much easier. I mean, when was the last time you really savored an ice cream cone, or were thrilled with a bowling score of 62???

And over the years I have seen many, many of those special clients, my friends, pass away too. My feeling is, although she may not understand what is happening to her, or why she is in such pain, she does understand and appreciate your love and friendship.

Please visit her as often as possible. It may be some of the hardest things you will ever do.......trust me I have lost many people to cancer...... but in the long run, it will be some of the most rewarding too.

After her death you will know, that just by your simple visits, you truly made her feel loved and special. And you will know that because, you will remember that it was the simple things in her life that gave her some of the greatest joys.

Visit her and be joyful. In the long run, it will be good for both of you.
edited to add: Hugs
(((((((Hallibeth))))))