Aa
End-Stage Liver Cancer
My father is 78. He was diagnosed with prostate cancer 6 years ago and treated it with radiation. The cancer reappeared a few years later as colon cancer and he had a section of his colon and his gall bladder removed. About a year ago the cancer surfaced again, this time as liver cancer with spots detected in his stomach and lungs as well. We have known for some time that the cancer is terminal. My dad has been on chemo. until recently, in hopes of extending his life.
Last week he was feeling particularly weak and went to his doctor. His doctor detected jaundice and further tests revealed that the cancer has progressed throughout his liver and lungs. He has begun to retain water and is sleeping more. I understand that these are symptoms of liver failure. The doctors told us that there is nothing more they can do and estimate he has only a few weeks left. They have stopped all medications (except for nausea, pain, and diarretic meds).
We took my father home and immediately setup hospice care for him. I'm trying to learn what we can expect over the next few weeks so that I can help my family prepare for it and make my father as comfortable as possible for as long as we're blessed to have him. Can anyone help guide me on what we can expect to happen as this progresses? I've read about the possibility of the loss of cognitive function, random hand movement, and even water seeping from body tissues. But all that the doctors have told us is that my father will sleep more and more until he eventually falls asleep and never wakes up. While that's a comforting thought, I suspect the reality is somewhat different (I lost someone to luekemia and lymphoma, and know what that's like). Any help or pointers to websites would be appreciated.
Thank you.
Last week he was feeling particularly weak and went to his doctor. His doctor detected jaundice and further tests revealed that the cancer has progressed throughout his liver and lungs. He has begun to retain water and is sleeping more. I understand that these are symptoms of liver failure. The doctors told us that there is nothing more they can do and estimate he has only a few weeks left. They have stopped all medications (except for nausea, pain, and diarretic meds).
We took my father home and immediately setup hospice care for him. I'm trying to learn what we can expect over the next few weeks so that I can help my family prepare for it and make my father as comfortable as possible for as long as we're blessed to have him. Can anyone help guide me on what we can expect to happen as this progresses? I've read about the possibility of the loss of cognitive function, random hand movement, and even water seeping from body tissues. But all that the doctors have told us is that my father will sleep more and more until he eventually falls asleep and never wakes up. While that's a comforting thought, I suspect the reality is somewhat different (I lost someone to luekemia and lymphoma, and know what that's like). Any help or pointers to websites would be appreciated.
Thank you.
A VERY CLOSE FRIEND OF MINE IS IN LATE STAGE LIVER CANCER,HE HAS HIS GOOD DAYS AND HIS BAD DAYS,HES TOUGH AND HANGIN ON IN THERE,NOW HIS EYES ARE SLOWLY TURNIN YELLOW AND HES ITCHING MORE.......BUT HES A FIGHTER& MAY GOD CONTINUE TO NE WITH HIM.....
My father passed away two days ago and while i am so distraught (I'm 35 and 6 months pregnant, and many say even more emotional that i would normally be) he is at peace. I am amazed by the end of life experience we had with him, in a way i think it will haunt me but i also feel so so fortunate. I have been researching as to anyone else has had such an experience and what it was like etc.
My 66 year old father fell into a coma for two days (he had stage four prostate cancer when he was diagnosed and became seriously ill two years after diagnosis, a month ago we found out he had secondaries in other parts of his bones and his liver), but after keeping watch for two days and sitting up with him during the night, myself, my mother and his sister who had flown over from Sydney were all chatting in his room with a cup of tea and talking about the news in the papers that day, while dad continued to sleep. We had cried and cried but were having a moment of calm chatter. I tried to get my pregnant self comfortable and wedged by feet onto the side of his bed and went to open a book, then I saw his eyes open and gaze at me. I motioned to get my mum and Aunt over.. and we stroked him, sprayed some mouth moistener into his open mouth (as we were advised during the coma) then he tried to say something (but he couldn't) and ry and smile. I told him how much we loved him and how special he was. And the name I would give my child if it is a boy - with his name as its middle name. And that we knew he would watch us. Then his breathing slowed right down and he drifted away. As sad as we were we were all so moved, and continue to feel so lucky. I just think that we could have all been making our tea in the kitchen, or I may not have been in the chair next to where he was facing and saw him opened his eyes. I'm so so sad but happy he is at peace after six - nine months of intense pain.
Have strength and please make your loved one feel as comfortable, relaxed and loved as possible.
if anyone else has has such a similar experience i would love to hear.
Bronwyn x
My 66 year old father fell into a coma for two days (he had stage four prostate cancer when he was diagnosed and became seriously ill two years after diagnosis, a month ago we found out he had secondaries in other parts of his bones and his liver), but after keeping watch for two days and sitting up with him during the night, myself, my mother and his sister who had flown over from Sydney were all chatting in his room with a cup of tea and talking about the news in the papers that day, while dad continued to sleep. We had cried and cried but were having a moment of calm chatter. I tried to get my pregnant self comfortable and wedged by feet onto the side of his bed and went to open a book, then I saw his eyes open and gaze at me. I motioned to get my mum and Aunt over.. and we stroked him, sprayed some mouth moistener into his open mouth (as we were advised during the coma) then he tried to say something (but he couldn't) and ry and smile. I told him how much we loved him and how special he was. And the name I would give my child if it is a boy - with his name as its middle name. And that we knew he would watch us. Then his breathing slowed right down and he drifted away. As sad as we were we were all so moved, and continue to feel so lucky. I just think that we could have all been making our tea in the kitchen, or I may not have been in the chair next to where he was facing and saw him opened his eyes. I'm so so sad but happy he is at peace after six - nine months of intense pain.
Have strength and please make your loved one feel as comfortable, relaxed and loved as possible.
if anyone else has has such a similar experience i would love to hear.
Bronwyn x
I'm praying for you to win your battle with cancer,did you hear about ****** thearpy,?it's non-conventional therapy and proved its success in treating even the end stage cancer,read about it and go for it,there is nothing to lose.i believe there will be always hope.
Azza
Azza
1 Comments
What the therapy called please
Hi. My mother was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer that mesatesized to her lungs and liver of Sept 2011. She was only a candidate for chemotheropy. This past Feb/ March(2013) her doctor took her off chemo treatment because of her severe allergic reactions. About a month or so ago I noticed jaundice in her eyes and eventually in her skin. She was itching and was complaining with stomach and back pain. Her appetite has slowed down some and started swelling in feet and legs. We found out last week from Ct scan her liver has a large mass. Doctors want to implant a stint into her liver to drain the waste of bilirubin but can't until the lesion is smaller. Her body is full of bile waste!!! Dr haven't said surgery yet but I know it will come too. As of now the doctors want to do radiation theropy to the liver. All of this to just give her more chemotheropy. I know it's been 2 years since initial diagnois but this is still hard to except. I know what your thinking and feeling...... Helpless. I know one day I too will hear the news of what could come. I'm just holding my breath and praying like crazy every moment. My mom is my best friend. God bless you in your journey as well. And may God give your mom the peace she needs.
God bless your mum! My prayers are with you! Sounds like we are going through exactly the same process! I hope you remain strong!!
Hi All. I'm 28 and my mother (63 last week) was diagnosed with colon cancer in November last year of which her colon operation successfully removed the tumors! Sadly it has spread to her liver, of which she has small modules in her lungs. Initially mum was given two years! Her first round of chemo gave positive scan results (liver tumors hadn't grown/lung modules had shrunk) however she suffered sickness and bowl movements which resulted in her losing 4 stone.
I have been on compassionate leave the last three weeks from work, as like my brother and my older sister (32) has moved back from oz where she has been the last 7 years. I have seen great deterioration in mum and it breaks my heart. I am concerned she is going to die in pain. She constantly has a dry mouth, can no longer dress herself, and is spending more time in bed! This really is a horrible way for someone to go!! I can't imagine what to expect upon her death. We have been told today we have weeks left, and I can't get my head round how anyone can deal with such information, however she still remains positive!!
Can anyone give positive advise as to how we can make her most comfortable....? We have all the relevant drugs here as and when the time comes!
We have never been effect by cancer in the family before! My mums parents are both still alive in their late 90's and they are finding it hard to deal with it too! I don't want my mum to die, as their is so much more she wants to do..... See the future grand kids Etc.
I don't want her to think that she is passing away!
God bless all of you!
I have been on compassionate leave the last three weeks from work, as like my brother and my older sister (32) has moved back from oz where she has been the last 7 years. I have seen great deterioration in mum and it breaks my heart. I am concerned she is going to die in pain. She constantly has a dry mouth, can no longer dress herself, and is spending more time in bed! This really is a horrible way for someone to go!! I can't imagine what to expect upon her death. We have been told today we have weeks left, and I can't get my head round how anyone can deal with such information, however she still remains positive!!
Can anyone give positive advise as to how we can make her most comfortable....? We have all the relevant drugs here as and when the time comes!
We have never been effect by cancer in the family before! My mums parents are both still alive in their late 90's and they are finding it hard to deal with it too! I don't want my mum to die, as their is so much more she wants to do..... See the future grand kids Etc.
I don't want her to think that she is passing away!
God bless all of you!
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