Struggling with losing my dad

Hi there,

Im not sure if this is the right place for me or not but I guess I'm just trying to find anyone who might be able to relate. 
 

I lost my dad on the 18th of March, he had been in the hospital for just over 2 weeks. It was suspected liver cancer but we weren't able to confirm it as he had an acute kidney injury when he was admitted and they weren't able to do the scan they needed.

Dad had suffered liver disease for a long time but apparently a blood test he had back in December had shown high levels of something which suggested cancer, he never told any of us, we only found out from the doctors as they were explaining that he was too sick to survive, a terminal event is what they called it. 
I'm really struggling to come to terms with his last few days. It was horrendous. He had stopped eating just before he was admitted and was unable to drink for over a week before he passed. His mouth looked so painful and it was black. He was only semi conscious at times and could only move his eyes over the last few days. It was so traumatic sitting there watching him suffer.

On his last day all I can remember is the breathing, it was so loud, it sounded like a ventilator but he wasn't attached to one. If I close my eyes that's all I hear. 

I know I should be grateful that we were able to be with him when he passed as so many others haven't had a chance to say goodbye to loved ones and I am grateful that he didn't die alone and I was able to hold his hand but I wish I could get the images out of my head. It felt so traumatic.

I guess im just really struggling tonight and needed a safe space to pour out some of my feelings.

Thankd for reading xx

 

  • Hello I'm sorry to hear about your dad,I do understand it is very difficult but it time it will get easier for you,I lost my mum and sister to cancer,then my dad passed away a few years later and after all that I was diagnosed with cancer.I just think of all the good memories I had with them all,my dad went very quickly at the end and his breathing sounded very strange,I know it's difficult and all you remember is how he looked but try to remember your dad as how he looked like when he was well,try to stay strong as he would want you to x

  • Hello. I'm so very sorry to hear about your Dad. My condolences to you and your family. It must have been a terrible shock to find out about his cancer and to lose him so quickly. I lost my Mum unexpectedly too, she'd kept her tumour secret and passed away in hospital 6 days after admission. We thought she had sepsis.

    if it offers any comfort, what you described about your dad not eating & drinking, drifting out of consciousness and heavy breathing I also experienced with mum. My understanding is that these are common responses in the final days. It was very hard to watch as you experienced too. Unfortunately I think we're programmed to think of passing away being quick and quiet, you close your eyes and thats it (like on TV) but it's not like that in real life. 
     

    I too am still picturing and hearing mums final days regularly , but I recognise that it's only been  a few weeks and I hope in time this will fade and be replaced by happy memories. I really hope the same happens for you and your thoughts turn over time to happy times with your Dad.

    Take Care x