Dad kidney cancer - tips

Dear Lucie,

My name is Liz, and I’m one of the cancer information nurse specialists on the Macmillan support line.

Thank you for reaching out for information as you support your dad as he lives with advanced kidney cancer.

As a UK charity, it is difficult for us to reply in detail to questions about people with cancer who live outside the United Kingdom. This is because there are differences in health services and care in other countries.

You have shared that dad isn’t eating a lot and is mostly sleeping. It is important to get dad seen by a doctor as soon as possible to check if there is a reversible cause for his sleepiness and poor appetite such as an infection, kidney failure, a high calcium in his blood or a side effect of medication. Or the doctor may feel that dad is now journeying towards the end of his life.

During the last weeks, days or hours of life, it's normal for people to eat and drink less than usual or not at all. When someone is dying:

• their body slows down and needs less energy
• they may be unable to process food and drink
• they may be too sleepy or weak to swallow.

You can support your dad to eat and drink if he wants to and is able to, but he should not be forced to. Trying to eat more food than he wants to might make him feel uncomfortable.

Dad’s mouth might feel really dry so keeping his mouth clean and moist can be a big comfort to him. His teeth and mouth can be cleaned with a soft baby toothbrush and children’s toothpaste, and you could help him have tiny bits of ice to suck.

If available in the Czech Republic dad might benefit from a referral to the local palliative care team, if this team isn’t  available then his GP should manage any symptoms your dad might have.

I can’t begin to imagine how you must be feeling as you wait to fly over to see mum and dad but just having you there will be such a comfort to them.

I wonder if this might be useful for you or mum and dad, U schyłku życia.

You can call the Macmillan Support Line from overseas on +44 207 0912230, seven days a week 8am-8pm. This is not a freephone number. Or you could use webchat or the online community for support.

Take care.  

Liz 

Cancer Information Nurse Specialist  

 Ref LZD/PG

Dear Liz, 

thank you for your message. Doctor will see my dad on Monday, charity nurse is coming tomorrow to see dad and request how she can help. Dad is still walking, eating mostly soups and everything what is mixed. We are trying to ask him without pressure. Palliative care has been booked for him today. But I believe my mum would love to have him home. I really appreciate your message and all information. The document which you have recommended me is in Polish. No worries I can speak Polish too. Thank you 
Lucie