Do not resuscitate

My dad was diagnosed last week with bone cancer which has spread to his lungs. My mum said also spread to his liver and kidneys. He’s at home and they’re arranging palliative care. He’s been given high dose of cocodamol along with laxative to help move him. My mum lets him sleep and has not been waking him to ensure he gets all of his meals and medication. I’m worried not having structure to his day including proper nourishment is worsening his quality of life. My mum also said the doctor called today to discuss Do Not Resuscitate order. I thought this would be discussed when my fathers quality of life worsens and he is bedbound on morphine. My mums is very vague about everything. Should I wait until he has palliative team in place then ask my dad to give authority for them to talk me through things. I feel like I don’t know what’s going on.

  • I'm sorry you feel your mum isn't being clear about what's happening with your dad. It must be very difficult to be in this position.

    Hopefully some of our members who have found themselves in a similar situation will offer their thoughts and advice to you soon but in the meantime, it may be worth getting in touch with Marie Curie. They offer information and support to anyone looking after or supporting someone with a terminal illness and can help with a wide range of issues, including palliative care and DNRs.

    I hope you're able to get the information you need and can get this sorted out soon.

    Kind regards,

    Steph, Cancer Chat Moderator