Appendix cancer

Hi Macron, and a warm welcome to the forum though so sorry you have to be here and that your dad has cancer. I have been in your situation, told to look after my mum with terminal cancer and offered no support, I have since cared for many people at end of life and thought here are similarities with symptoms, there is no universal pathway with terminal cancer, though in my experience changes to breathing patterns are often a sign that time is short. though that is not a given and hopefully no time soon for your dad. If you call your GP and ask for a referral to the hospice palliative care team and a district nurse, they will be able to control any pain your dad may get and make him comfortable so he can make the most of what time he has, and monitor any changes and treat them accordingly, and the district nurse will have access to specialist services, equipment and supplies your dad may need and they will support you and your mum as well, best wishes.

Eddie

Dads now been back in hospital for 5 weeks after a downturn at home. He has decided to stay in hospital rather than go to a hospice as he is in a side room and now know the staff and is comfortable with the routine. I think he is near the very end of his life but so hard to tell. 

Hi Macron, I am so sorry to hear this, though It's good your dad feels safe and cared for, and it's where he wanted to be, have the doctors told you what is happening, have they mentioned dad going home or to the hospice or asked where he want's to be at the end, these are normal questions if time is short. If they haven't then maybe dads doing ok, best wishes to you and your family.

Eddie

He is final days unfortunately, he has got really cold and developed jerking hand movements which makes typing a phone message is almost impossible. His breathing is more shallow than normal and it seems everything is starting to shut down.

HI Macron, It saddens me to hear this and I know how you must be feeling It's awful watching this happen to a loved one though it's nice to know he is comfortable and any pain is being controlled. Macron in my 15 years in healthcare I did 5 years in palliative cancer care and know even when the patient is asleep or unconscious they can usually hear what people are saying so talking and holding their hand will provide a lot of comfort, take care.

Eddie