My dad aged 56 was sadly diagnosed with colorectal cancer last April. We were told it was terminal around September time, he's now been in hospital since beginning of December and things have rapidly declined the once confident 18 stone man he was is now a frail afraid 9 stone man. The cancer is now all in the pelvis and physically grown from the inside out causing his rectum to have a wide opening where the cancer has grown out from he is in immense pain. Since being in hospital he's needed blood transfusions, had a dvt, sepsis and now started having seizures the medical team cannot find an explanation for the seizures. We knew he was becoming more unwell I received a call 11 days ago saying we are looking at weeks, he has now been placed on gss red if that makes any sense to anyone? I received a call today to explain they have come the the decision now as he is very very unwell to withdraw all types of treatment this would even include canulas I'm very black and white and need to know where I'm at I understand each patient is different and people can't give a specific time on death! But my question is when withdrawl of treatment is decided by the medical team does this mean death is imminent? They said to just make him comfortable. Do they tend to pass quicker? I want him to not suffer and can't help but think he is suffering?
Any advice would help!
Hi Nhenry and welcome to the Macmillan Community but so sorry to hear about your dad, this is such a challenging and stressful time for you all.
I have no experience that can help you but you may benefit from joining and posting in our Supporting someone with incurable cancer support group where you will connect with others navigating the exact same support challenges.
I do see that you have put your question to our cancer nurse team in our Ask an Expert section…….. do allow a few working days for a reply.
Let’s look for any other group members who have first hand experience to come along and help you out.
