Hello Kez40 and thanks for posting,

I am very sorry to learn about your dad and can understand you wanting to know what is going on at the moment. I'm really sorry but I am afraid I can't be sure why whoever said the next few days are going to be hard said what they did.   

Chest infections can make people feel poorly, and can cause troublesome coughing which can be exhausting. They can also cause breathlessness which can be worse lying down so sleeping at night time can be an issue. On the other hand the antibiotics might work well and steroids can provide a general boost so your dad may pick up with this treatment, although he would most likely be unwell for a while before the medicines do their job and in the meantime may need more input and care from your mum. However, there could be a concern that he won't pick up all that much or get back to where he was before the chest infection took hold. 

I just wondered if rather than not being forthcoming, your mum doesn't have much she can tell you because she doesn't know how things will go.  It may be that it is a question of waiting to see how your dad's condition unfolds and what the medicines do. 

I expect there is a community palliative care team involved with your dad's care, if so you may be able to speak to them to get some insight about his condition, you could ask your mum for the contact and try getting in touch. Or perhaps the GP? It might also be worth encouraging your mum to ask for more support.  

I am sorry not to be able to tell you anymore. Feel free to give us a ring if you want to talk anything over. Our freephone number is 0808 800 4040 and we are around weekday from 9-5. 

Best wishes,

Julia