Tonight we lost my wee dad. Up until 4 weeks ago he was a generally healthy 72 year old. He had a UTI which wasn’t clearing so was admitted to hospital for IV antibiotics, that’s when the nightmare began. Not even in hospital 12 hours and after a series of tests and scans he was diagnosed with lung cancer primary, spread to lymph nodes in neck, chest and groin, bone cancer in the hips and pelvis and stomach cancer. Treatment was not an option and he was moved onto palliative care. My dad never got home from hospital. From that day onwards, it was as if his body knew it was going to die and he started to experience so much pain. He was put on a syringe driver. Over the last week we had been prepared for him to pass away, we were told it was near and to gather the family. My wee dad hung on. We made sure someone was with him every minute of the day and overnight.
Well, tonight none of us could stay for various reasons. My sister left at 9.30pm and by midnight he was actively passing away. The hospital called us up and we missed him by only a few minutes. I have read so much about this phenomenon whereby patients will sometimes pass away when they are alone, even if the family have been with them constantly. I really think that my dad was waiting for peace and quiet so he could finally rest properly. He has been highly sedated for around 5 days but we spoke to him all the time. I hope wherever he is he is enjoying a cold pint. My heart is breaking.
thanks for reading xx
