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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.
My mum was diagnosed with secondary liver cancer a few days ago. They are unable to treat because the cancer is extremely aggressive and she is also on anti rejection drugs for a kidney transplant she received a year and a half ago. She has a number of other medical problems which have been on going for some years, but typically her new kidney is working perfectly! She doesn't have much appetite and is starting to become more fatigued as the days go on. Her abdomen is quite swollen and she is in some pain, but as yet not taking morphine. She is at home and her Dr has prescribed steroids to try and give her an energy/appetite boost. I live in New Zealand but my parents live in the UK, I plan on flying home in the next few days, but I am so worried it may be too late and I won't get the chance to say goodbye. This whole thing has happened so quickly, going from relatively healthy to wondering how may days/week we have with her in less than 2 months. I hope I make it home in time to tell her how much I love her and what an amazing mum and grandma she is in person.
Have they checked his Amonia levels.My husband started the "confusion" episodes,(thats what we called it) "confused and halluciations".I read about it and mentioned it to Dr.s.His was elevated and they started him on Lactulose. helped alot
Thank u all. This makes it a bit easier. My husband
was diagnosed late Sept. 2013 w stage 3 liver cancer. I see him withering away. He sleeps alot now. Some appetite left. I know what to look forward too whether it b graffic or not.
was diagnosed late Sept. 2013 w stage 3 liver cancer. I see him withering away. He sleeps alot now. Some appetite left. I know what to look forward too whether it b graffic or not.
Thank u all. This makes it a bit easier. My husband
was diagnosed late Sept. 2013 w stage 3 liver cancer. I see him withering away. He sleeps alot now. Some appetite left. I know what to look forward too whether it b graffic or not.
was diagnosed late Sept. 2013 w stage 3 liver cancer. I see him withering away. He sleeps alot now. Some appetite left. I know what to look forward too whether it b graffic or not.
My brother also was diagnosed with liver cancer 4, sirrosis & hep C. Gave him 8 months, tried to give him a cancer pill called Nexavar but it made him worse. Nothing else they can do. Last test showed he had a month to live. Well it's been a month. I knew my brother wouldnt go with out a fight either. He is a tough biker kind of guy full of life. He lived hard & fast. He is now in a hospice facility on all kinds of meds. We tried to keep him at home on hospice but he got real paranoid & started hullicinating that people were after him, tried to run out of the house several times. He still tries to walk a little, he is putting up a good fight. The drs say the toxins are building up and effecting his brain. Also his kidneys, we visit himleveryday, sometimes twice. Its breaking our hearts watching him go thru this. If the drs were rite he wouldnt be here. For some reason he is hanging on. Hang in there & know your not alone :(
My brother also was diagnosed with liver cancer 4, sirrosis & hep C. Gave him 8 months, tried to give him a cancer pill called Nexavar but it made him worse. Nothing else they can do. Last test showed he had a month to live. Well it's been a month. I knew my brother wouldnt go with out a fight either. He is a tough biker kind of guy full of life. He lived hard & fast. He is now in a hospice facility on all kinds of meds. We tried to keep him at home on hospice but he got real paranoid & started hullicinating that people were after him, tried to run out of the house several times. He still tries to walk a little, he is putting up a good fight. The drs say the toxins are building up and effecting his brain. Also his kidneys, we visit himleveryday, sometimes twice. Its breaking our hearts watching him go thru this. If the drs were rite he wouldnt be here. For some reason he is hanging on. Hang in there & know your not alone :(
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