Just starting hospice

[chinz]

My father was DX with  stage 4  stomach cancer 6/28/2007  He started out with stomach pain went in they found a non cancerious tumer in his bladder, they removed it.  He still had stomach pain, we all thought it was from the surgery. He went to the Dr could not find anything else wrong with him.  My dad has always been a health freak always eating healthy and rides his bike ALL the time.  So we were not to worried we just thought he was complaining.  Then he went to a new DR who ordered a CT and found stage 4 stomach cancer they started him on chemo after the second week of chemo he seemed to be getting better then after the third dose he started to feel tired and weak and nausea with more stomach pain so they said he could stop taking this dose but he nver felt better when it came time for his forth dose he was feeling very nausious the Dr ordered another Ct here are the results . The  result said worsening lymphadenopathy in the upper abdomin with numerous bulky nodes in the celiac axin, gastrohepatic ligament, as well as along the lesser curvature of the stomach near the GE junction. So the Dr gave him some options stating they gave him the best he could try something else but he did not think they would work on such an aggressive cancer.  He referred us to Hospice.  I guess what my ques is dose this type of cancer always work this fast.  ANy other options you know about.  I am having a hard time thinking 4 months ago he was fine now we are talking the end of life.  Do people ever recover?  How long do people last once they are put on Hospice> How much time do you think we have together?  Any advice???? Anybody else who knows about this type of cancer please help.

[lizziecee]

I had a good friend who had aggressive stomach cancer. She had surgery and chemo and lived 11 months from diagnosis. She was 63 yrs old.  Each case is different, and your father could live quite awhile. Hospice seems to be the best advice. They will make sure he is not in pain.
My prayers are with you both.

Liz.

[chinz]

Thank you.

[Teese67]

Unfortunately, it almost impossible to know how much time is left.  It is true that that type of cancer is very aggressive.  My grandfather had it.  
Doctor's recommend Hospice when people reach the terminal stage in their illness, be it cancer or alzheimers.  Some people can be on Hospice for a year or more.  They provide the much needed support to family during a difficult time.  They were wonderful during my mother's battle with alzheimers.  They will make everything so much more comfortable for the patient as well as th family.   Hospice helps you prepare for everything and giving your loved one the opportunity to be at home among loved ones as they make that journey to the other side is the best gift you could give them.
My heart goes out to you and your family and will keep you all in my prayers and pray for God's healing hands to embrace your beloved father.
God bless,
Tish