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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 father is in the last stages of liver cancer. The Dr's say it is colon cancer (he beat it 7 years ago) that has moved to his liver. He is at home and is sleeping more and more. The hospice nurse said he would continue to do this and eventually fall into a coma and not wake up. We just do not want him to be in any pain. My parents have been married over 50 years, and the past few months they have been acting like teenagers. Going out on more dates, seeing movies when possible, etc... I am confused as why good people such as my father get this kind of stuff, but .... You have to live life to the fullest and let people know you love them. Thanks for letting me respond.
My sister has melanoma cancer which now is in the liver. She fortunately has excellent medical insurance and is taking experimental medications. She is now though very ill with fluids on the stomach and renal failure. She had to be hospitalized for the fluid retention as her skin is splitting. She has 60 pounds of fluid. Anyone have any clue is this a sign of the end or is this some random complication to her new tumor drug sounds like tycol (sp). She has volunteered for so many treatments some which were extremely awful on her. Anyway I don't live in the same town and would need to fly in to be with her but as so many times she has been ill its hard to make a decision if this is it or what? I would hate to not have a chance to be with her. The doctor advised her to set up hospice.
PS Note when my sister had her ocular melanoma discovered the doc's advised if she went 4 years without it spreading it was good news. Be aware that in this cancer it seems to always spread in a few years. Make the most of your life in that time because it will rear its ugly head. Wish we had known that then...Good luck hopefully my sister's volunteering helps someone else down the road.
PS Note when my sister had her ocular melanoma discovered the doc's advised if she went 4 years without it spreading it was good news. Be aware that in this cancer it seems to always spread in a few years. Make the most of your life in that time because it will rear its ugly head. Wish we had known that then...Good luck hopefully my sister's volunteering helps someone else down the road.
Papli --
First, let me say that I am sorry for the loss of you mother. Second, thank you for sharing your experience.
I am in the throes of such an experience with my 68 year-old father. What you experienced happening to your mother in the final moments was truly awful. I worry that even with pain management, this may be the fate of anyone having liver failure. I'm here reading this post to be prepared as I can for what is to come.
Who wouldn't rather have their loved one drift away with dignity instead of struggle in terror. What I don't know is, as a caregiver, how can one help. I know that the dying person needs to know that it's okay to go and they should have their pain managed fully. What else can one do?
At the moment, my father hasn't entirely given up eating or drinking. When his pain is managed, he is still very aware. We didn't ask for a timeframe. It didn't seem appropriate. But, of course, one wonders.
I've read the "giving up or letting go" pamphlet, but it didn't tell me what to say when he looks at me with his yellowing eyes and asks, "What about keeping up with my vitamins?" I'll I could muster was, "We can do whatever you feel up to."
He's physically too weak to endure more treatment, but his mind and will are still strong. He says he's lived a good life, but I can tell he has a way to go before accepting something other than living. I just want to support his journey without seeming to hold him back or push him forward.
First, let me say that I am sorry for the loss of you mother. Second, thank you for sharing your experience.
I am in the throes of such an experience with my 68 year-old father. What you experienced happening to your mother in the final moments was truly awful. I worry that even with pain management, this may be the fate of anyone having liver failure. I'm here reading this post to be prepared as I can for what is to come.
Who wouldn't rather have their loved one drift away with dignity instead of struggle in terror. What I don't know is, as a caregiver, how can one help. I know that the dying person needs to know that it's okay to go and they should have their pain managed fully. What else can one do?
At the moment, my father hasn't entirely given up eating or drinking. When his pain is managed, he is still very aware. We didn't ask for a timeframe. It didn't seem appropriate. But, of course, one wonders.
I've read the "giving up or letting go" pamphlet, but it didn't tell me what to say when he looks at me with his yellowing eyes and asks, "What about keeping up with my vitamins?" I'll I could muster was, "We can do whatever you feel up to."
He's physically too weak to endure more treatment, but his mind and will are still strong. He says he's lived a good life, but I can tell he has a way to go before accepting something other than living. I just want to support his journey without seeming to hold him back or push him forward.
To all out there I hope you get through these difficult times & never stop beleiving in what is possible!! x
My mom was diagnosed with colon cancer on Feb 26 2010. They removed that cancer, but found it had spread to her liver. They said it could not be cured, but chemo might give more time. She tried it ,but it did not work. This is so difficult.A month ago they said a month or two. Right now I am in the middle of a nite mare with hospice and some family regarding medications, they are overmedicating her to the point she knows nothing. On days I am there she goes outside , laughs, has great conversations and is herself. It is killling me because I feel as if I am failing her by not being there everyday but cant.(everyother) //she shows a lot of end time symptoms but usually on the days she is medicated. So i'm not sure what is the cancer and what is the meds. She hates being "stoned" and would rather have a little pain and enjoy life then be like they have her. I do not know what to do. God bless all of you
i lost my dad to secondary liver cancer 9years ago.dad used to be a coal miner always suffered with a bad chest.docs said cancer probably started in lungs too damaged to see moved to liver.we were told 8th july 2001 that it was terminal.we all helped mum to nurse dad at home had help from mcmillan nurses who were wonderful.i made sure i spent as much time as i could with dad.dad always said he didnt have any pain but i wonder if he really did?my dad went into hospital on 17th august 2001 and passed away 18th august 2001 just 6wks after he had been diagnosed.in the end everything just shut down and dad was on morphine.i just wanted to say my heart really goes out to each and everyone of you who is going through same thing.it was the worst time of my life but dad always had a smile and was the bravest person i know.miss him every day.god bless dadxxxxxxx
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