End of Life & still active

FormerMember over 4 years ago

2 replies
37 subscribers
763 views

looking for answers

Hi Guys,

my dad was diagnosed with Stage 3 Esophageal Cancer nearly 3 years ago. He had the surgery and was cancer free for 12 months then docs discovered metastatic nodules/tumors in his lung and 2 in his abdomen. He now has a tumor that is pushing on his bowel and blocking it, they have put a stent in.

My dad was given only weeks to live around 2 weeks ago and has ceased any treatment. He is still up and walking around (with his walker), pottering around in his room (i built in under my house for him). Even goes to the corner store on his mobility scooter.

He eats a small amount for dinner and sometimes has a snack during the day.

Since he has moved in with me, i have noticed a decline in his health. He's 36kgs, very weak, tired a lot of the time, gets out of breath very easily, has trouble sleeping even with his sleeping tablets. I now have to put his pants, shoes and socks on. I see the tell tale signs that death may be near. During the day however, he is quite active.

My question is, can someone be weeks from death and still be quite active? It's worth noting that his oncologist upped his steroid dose to 2 tablets every morning from 1/2 tablet, informing him that this may allow him to live an extra week or 2. Is this why he seems to have more energy during the day?

I'm so confused as I have been mentally preparing for him to have only weeks and he seems to be ok?

I've been trying to google if this is common in people close to death but no answers. Hoping someone can shed some light.

Thank you

Lowedal over 4 years ago

Hi Ra84

Thank you for posting, I am really sorry to read about your Dad's diagnosis, but amazed at the journey he has been on for nearly 3 years and to read that he still has daytime energy.

I know that you have posted in a couple of other areas and had some great responses, I think though it is very difficult for anyone to give definitive timelines and it is possible nicer to focus on today and how he is doing, but you could contact his cancer team and see if they can offer you advice on how things are for Dad.

I hope that you and Dad can truly enjoy the time you have, making memories that will stay with you forever.

Take Care

Lowe'

Call the helpline for free on 08088080000, 8am to 8pm everyday.

Tomorrow is not promised but it always has potential. Aim for your potential!

Sweetju over 4 years ago

Palliative care means there is nothing more they can do so nature is allowed to run its course. Doctors can only give average time scales and everyone varies. My Dad was palliative care only in November 3016, we finally lost him 2 years later in November 2018. He deteriorated over time but was still getting up until 5 days before he left us.

Try to enjoy the precious moments you have left and talk about how much you love and are going yo miss him. Thank jim for everything you are thankful for and hold his hand at times

I have lots of treasured snapshots of things we shared in his final weeks and they are a great comfort to me. You are already making his journey a memorable one by loving and caring fior hm. I am sure you are mentally and physically exhausted but you are being a great comfort to him. It will come to an end but try not to focus on his passing, just focus on the here and now.

Remember to.look after yourself too x x x I hope when he passes you can find your peace in his peace x x x

More from this forum

End of Life & still active