Hello Rachael53
I'm sorry to hear that your sister has deteriorated recently. Understandably it's a difficult time for you all at the moment. 

I'm unsure from your post if she is at home or being cared for in hospital/hospice. If she is in hospital or hospice then the staff there will be the best people to chat to about your questions and concerns. If your sister is still at home then I'm wondering if there is a nursing team calling in to check on her and help manage things. If not then do speak to your sisters GP as they will be able to help arrange this.
If you'd like to speak to one of our team of nurses for some support and advice then please do give them a call. They are available on 0808 800 4040, Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm. 

Best wishes, 
Jenn
Cancer Chat moderator

Thank You.

My sister is at home and distrrict nurse calling every week.Its just that obviously its just that I want ti be there and afraid that it may happen so quick I know you cant tell when  but what are the final signs.

Hi Rachel

I'm glad to hear that you have some support at home. It may be that as your sisters condition changes that the regularity in which the nurses call increases. 

You might find it helpful to had a read through this information on our website but if you have any concerns about your sistesr pain management or any other aspects of her condition or care do speak to the district nurse or call to speak to her GP. 

Best wishes, 
Jenn
Cancer Chat moderator

Thank You

Hi Rachael53 

I’m really sorry to hear your sister has pancreatic cancer. It is an awful cruel disease. My father was diagnosed with  pancreatic cancer on 13th January and died 31st January. It was a totally shock to myself and family. It all started when he has ascites (build up of fluid) in his stomach which the doctors in a&e originally said was a blockage due to him not be able to open his bowels so was sent home and then again suffered a lot of pain so called an ambulance they done more tests which took 3 weeks then diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. He would have bad days and then days when he wasn’t too bad. My dad wanted to die at home. His last week he was vomiting lots of black bile this went on for about 4-5 days until the head palliative care nurse said I think you should go into the hospice to have your ascites drained (fluid build up in the stomach) but I think this was not the case I think she knew he didn’t have long and that’s he was better off being looked after with full time medical staff. He went to the hospice and died that evening, I’m so thankful that he was in the hospice as my mum was there with him looking into each others eye’s when he took his last 4 breaths. We miss him so much he was the beating heart of the family. 

I’m really sorry you are going through this with your sister. I asked the same questions “when will I know his life is near the end”. Everyone is different. My dad was vomiting black bile the last week of his life which the doctor said was caused by internal bleeding (blood was deoxygenated) he became extremely weak. Couldn’t keep any water down or eat. But he was very alert the whole time, it was all physical not mentally. I would say spend as much time with your sister as you can because no one actually knows when the end will be. Their hearing is the last thing to go so when the time does come stay calm and tell her how much you love her. Sending you hugs and be strong xxx

Am sorry about your Dad that was very quick.You have answered my questions amazing it must have been very difficult for you.I will watch out for these symptoms and try to be prepared.Thank You so much and I hope you and your family remember all the good times you spent with your Dad and you all keep well.Thank You so much

Thank you for your kind words Racheal

Anytime you need a chat I’m here x

Thank You I will keep in contact.You are so thoughtful

Hi Rachael53,

How are you? How is your sister?

char x