Prayers on the way for your Mom, and prayers for peace for you and your sisters as you get to the bottom of whatever is going on.
And if you are able to get her awake and aware, try to get her wishes for a Living Will, and medical Power of Attorney on paper. Maybe your priest can help with that.
I don't know about NY, but in many States hydration is considered medical care, thus bypassing the purpose of a Living Will. According to the National Right to Life Committee, the laws of all but twelve states may allow doctors and hospitals to disregard advance directives when they call for treatment, food, or fluids. If your mom is able to express her wishes and sign anything, you need a WILL TO LIVE. You can download one, legal for your State RIGHT HERE.
This Death Panel thingy has been going on for a little while now. Last year, one of my husband's Sunday school class members died of cancer. He was a veteran in his 70s. They found a few spots in his lungs, treated them with radiation and everything was fine. A year later they found another spot. The doctor said "it was not safe to give him any more radiation" and sent him home to die.