dads got terminal cancer, what to look out for

Hi everyone,

 

Im new and just fell across this website  so hoping for a bit of support.

 

Quick rundown,

 

Dad had bowel cancer 18 months ago, had a operation and that went well, then they re scanned him and found he had it now in his liver, had few rounds of chemo but it hasnt done anything.

He is not on chemo now and he has now moved in with me, as lived over 200 miles away, he now has Stage 4 secondary liver cancer and in lymph nodes, they said he as months, but im not sure how many ? not sure how they know this.

 

So he is living with me and is now on steriods as was in a bit of pain, the steriods have made him pain free, other then the odd twinge. He seams fine in himself, is eating loads and manages to get out and about, but as of late he seams to doze of quite a but and sometimes seams confused, but then that passes and he is back to normal so to speak.

 

I have changed my hours at work so only working part time now, I just feel that each day Im waiting for something to happen. Im just not sure what I should be looking out for, and do you think things will change quickly, as at the mo he seams okish, other then being a bit dizzy and bit confused at times, its the not knowing i spose.

 

He hasnt had treatment not for 2 months so not sure really how long he has, just wanted a bit of advice and my head feels in a mess, Im not sure if i need to look into a hospice if needed later onm even i dont think he will go in one as i will look after him at home, but they have nurses that come out, should i mention this at his apt on thursday, its his first apt here since he has been with me, so not sure what they are going to say.

 

Hope all that nakes a bit of sense, i know it is a bit of a rable, just wondered if i should be looking out for anything, and how will i know when things change.

 

Thanks

 

 

Parents
  • Hi Spurs,

    Welcome to this friendly forum. You will probably find his energy levels will gradually get less and less and he will also spend more time dozing during the day. His apetite may also suffer in time too. That said everyone reacts differntly., no two people are the same. One thing is important; most cancer patients like to try and keep a little bit of normality in their lives otherwise they feel cancer has taken over. This is my view based on how my mother reacted years ago.

    With regard to the hospice, most people feel they are there just for end of life care but they are very good at pain relief too. Both my mother and my brother in law used to go to the hospice once a week where they played games and met up with other cancer patients. It might give you a little respite so I feel you should investigate it.

    Wishing you all the best and sending kind thoughts your way, Brian.

Reply
  • Hi Spurs,

    Welcome to this friendly forum. You will probably find his energy levels will gradually get less and less and he will also spend more time dozing during the day. His apetite may also suffer in time too. That said everyone reacts differntly., no two people are the same. One thing is important; most cancer patients like to try and keep a little bit of normality in their lives otherwise they feel cancer has taken over. This is my view based on how my mother reacted years ago.

    With regard to the hospice, most people feel they are there just for end of life care but they are very good at pain relief too. Both my mother and my brother in law used to go to the hospice once a week where they played games and met up with other cancer patients. It might give you a little respite so I feel you should investigate it.

    Wishing you all the best and sending kind thoughts your way, Brian.

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