End of life

How do you know when a person with cancer is close to death? My dad just sleeps sat up in his arm chair and breathes with a rattle, he also isn’t eating very much at all? He has an appointment for an endoscopy on 18th March but I just don’t think he’s well enough? Help

  • Hello Jaccal67 and thanks for the post

    I am sorry to hear about your dad. People will often sleep more and have a lack of appetite at the end of life but there can be many other reasons for this as well.

    If you are worried in any way I suggest you speak with his GP so they can assess him and what may be going on. If they have concerns about the decline in health they may run some more tests or put other measures in place to best support him and you at this time.

    Please get back to us if you need any more information or support.  You may find it helpful to talk things through with one of the nurses on our helpline.  The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.

    Best wishes,

    Naomi

  • Thanks so much Naomi, I have spoken to the district nurse about it. Can I just ask you also, my father is congested and breathes out with a moan only getting relief when he’s had his full 5 ml morphine with codeine and paracetamol for approximately an hour and a half! How do I know if he’s getting enough pain medication? And can his congestion be helped by any medication? Thanks in advance x

  • Hello and thanks for posting,

    It does sound like your father needs his current pain medication reviewed by his GP. Liquid morphine doses should last up to 4 hours, so he may need a higher dose, with or without other pain medication as well.

    We have information on types of painkillers for you to read.

    I hope that this helps,

    Please get back to us if you need any more information or support.  You may find it helpful to talk things through with one of the nurses on our helpline.  The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.

    Yours sincerely,

    Vanda

  • Thankyou we have had his meds reviewed