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.
I feel anger and depression. My husband is in his final stage of secondary liver cancer and I have an 8 yr old son who is sad that his dad won't be at his 9th bday. I don't understand why him!! This disease is evil and cruel. I feel your pain and wish you the best in your healing.
thanx for all of u for helping post , those who lost there loved ones , i can feel that pain. my father is also suffering from liver metatesis colon cancer , he have same symptoms of ending life , that all of u posted.i m feeling very upset helpless watching him in the worst condition. he use to be a strong person now he cannot stand alone, he need someone to help him every time.he is not under any medication just two weeks ago he diagnosed by the cancer.my father is 56, v r 4 sisters and 3 brothers i m the elder1 i m 30y.v all confuse for taking steps for his medication ,the procedure is very painfull and not trustable that dad will survive more.God knows better.my dad is not agree for chemo etc.Cannot understand what to do.....he is losing weight so fast from 78 kg now he is 56kg.
My Father in law was diagnosed with prostate cancer 7 yrs ago, got treated and went into remission. A year later he had a stroke and slightly lost his speech. In November 2011 he was diagnosed with lung cancer, and went through radiation treatment as they say, chemo would have killed him because he is 83yrs old. He did 6wks of radiation and on February 13,2012 a scan was taken and showed the cancer had spread to his liver. He was given 2months to live. Here we are April 25, 2012 and he is very weak, jaundice, incontinent, breathing is shallow, complaining of his back and stomach hurting, not wanting to eat or drink anything, but still able to talk and recognizes everyone. I believe he is in his hours, days, as we were leaving the nursing home that he resides in he reached out to us. I really don't like seeing him suffer. I only hope and pray that when God decides to take him that he does so in his sleep. I love you dad!
My Brother in law and best friend for over 50 years is going through the final stages of liver cancer as I write you this. I just left him and I reminded him of something we both desided along time ago. That was who are we to exspect to suffer less than our Lord Jesus Christ did. We both believe he is with him as he suffers but reasuring him that when he cant fight any longer he can turn and climb on our saviors back and he will carry him to paridise.As in life we have pain and sorry as in death we will gain strenth and understanding through Jesus Christ our Lord. Keep faith strong its not thier end but a new beginning of pleasure and love. Captain Ash
My son/law is end stage liver cancer. He is 32 years old. Yes, this is sucha heartbreaking thing. It is so hardto watch and feel there is nothing you can do. PRAY PRAY PRAY....Miracles still happen and if it is Gods will to take them home , pray for comfort and peace in their hearts and yours. He did everything...chemo, radiation, radiation implants, stents put in and more chemo. But here we are. He just started hospice 2 weeks ago. Tough decision but it was the time. He has limited time left. Keep posting on whats happening.
Hi Justme0302
My husband was diagnosed with leiomyosarcoma in his shoulder that had spread to his spine in Nov 2010 he had radiation that shrunk it and kept it at bay until his spine pain became uncontrollable in Sept 2011, he then had the tumor removed from his shoulder and a spine operation to remove part of L1 vertibrae and put in two rods to strengthen his spine, we were also told he had spots in his lungs. Two days ago we went for a checkup and was told the cancer has moved to his liver. We have been told he has 12 months with no treatment or 24 months if he has chemo. At this stage he is 100% well so we are unsure if we should risk the chemo and decrease the quality of life that he has at the moment with the chance of extending it. My thougths are with you, my husband is 62 so are youngest child is18 so that makes it a little easier for me. Until you experience it you have no idea how you will cope but at the end of the day you just have to get on with it and accept what you cant change. Make the most memories that you can for your children. Kind regards Gail
My husband was diagnosed with leiomyosarcoma in his shoulder that had spread to his spine in Nov 2010 he had radiation that shrunk it and kept it at bay until his spine pain became uncontrollable in Sept 2011, he then had the tumor removed from his shoulder and a spine operation to remove part of L1 vertibrae and put in two rods to strengthen his spine, we were also told he had spots in his lungs. Two days ago we went for a checkup and was told the cancer has moved to his liver. We have been told he has 12 months with no treatment or 24 months if he has chemo. At this stage he is 100% well so we are unsure if we should risk the chemo and decrease the quality of life that he has at the moment with the chance of extending it. My thougths are with you, my husband is 62 so are youngest child is18 so that makes it a little easier for me. Until you experience it you have no idea how you will cope but at the end of the day you just have to get on with it and accept what you cant change. Make the most memories that you can for your children. Kind regards Gail
Have an Answer?
You are reading content posted in the Cancer Community
Here are 15 ways to help prevent lung cancer.
New cervical cancer screening guidelines change when and how women should be tested for the disease.
They got it all wrong: Why the PSA test is imperative for saving lives from prostate cancer
Everything you wanted to know about colonoscopy but were afraid to ask
A quick primer on the different ways breast cancer can be treated.
Get the facts about this disease that affects more than 240,000 men each year.
