Sorry if I ramble but I feel like I have no where else to write this. My mum in law was diagnosed with stage 4 bowel cancer 2 years ago with liver mestasis. She had survived for another 2 years on
n injection tmshe takes but the oncologist has upped her dosage now. She’s changed so much over the last month, lost so much weight, not really eating, incontinent and very very unsteady on her fwet.I fear the end is nearing but my FIL seems to be oblivious to this, he still thinks she’s going to be ok. I have managed to get the oncologist to explain to him that her cancer has progressed now and there’s nothing more they can do for her, other than keep her comfy and happy, I think that’s helped a little for him to understand what’s happening. What I’m really upset over is seeing her decline, she’s been bedridden for around 8 months now, apart from hospital appts. How long does this last for? This is so heartbreaking for us all and mum, she’s really struggling . We have carers coming out next week to assess and help but it’s so so hard seeing a family member going through such an awful time.
Can anyone give advice on how do you know when it’s near end of life? What can we do to keep her comfy? How long does this go on for?
Hi Melandclive
Welcome to our community, I hope you find it both informative and supporive.
I am Steve one of our community champions and my experience of cancer is via my wife who has Leiomyosarcoma.
Perhaps however the most direct experience I have of your situation was with my father though his illness was not actually cancer still we had lots of issues towards the end of his life. I glad to hear you have carers coming I hope that helps everyone.
Even the oncologists treating patients find it tricky to know when the end will come, You might find some helpful information here.
<<hugs>>
Steve
