Father no longer eating or drinking, terminal cancer

Hi,

on Tuesday last week I got a call from my mum, she wasn't able to wake my father, our doctor was convinced they'd have to put a syringe drive in. When I got there he had improved a lot but started to twitch and was out of it.

I've been with him over the week, on Saturday and Sunday he improved and ate on both days and even came downstairs to chill with us. Today he has been sleeping all day, hasn't eaten and has now thrown up. 

although everyone is different, did anyone else have a similar case? We know he hasn't got long left and as it's very up and down there isn't a specific date or time it would just be comforting. 
I don't know how I'm going to cope.

  • Hello Ellaprivate, 

    I am so sorry to read that your dad has been unable to eat and has been sleeping all day and been sick. Sadly, it is not unusual for people with cancer who are nearing the end of their life to lose interest in eating and drinking which can be so difficult for family and friends to see. Our section on changes to eating and drinking may be of interest to you as it highlights the various eating and drinking problems which may affect someone at the end of life. 

    I hope that you will hear from other forum members who have been in a similar situation before and that they will come and share with you what they themselves went through. I just wanted you to know that you are not alone and that other members of our community will be there I am sure shortly with comforting words for you. I remember for example [@MidnightStorm]‍'s thread on this page which you are welcome to respond to - this member posted recently and was sadly in a very similar situation. 

    Our nurses are also available on this free number 0808 800 4040 - their line is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm so don't hesitate to give them a call if there is anything you would like to ask them. 

    We're thinking of you, your dad and your family during this difficult time. 

    Best wishes, 

    Lucie, Cancer Chat Moderator

  • im so sorry, my mum is on the same position she as melanoma cancer stage 4 she done a biopsy and waithing on results but is spread she is in bed, with medication for the pain as the nodles hurt a lot she only drinking the yougurts thst are a suplement we try her to eat but she says she cant and feel sick, she is yellow and sleeping more and more is heartbreaking to see her like that,the doctors dont tell us anything until the results and she is getting weaker every day, so difficult but hang in there you are not alone, we only can be there for them and give them confort and ...  lots of love

  • Hi I just wanted to say im in the same situation. My dad has cancer and has been very up and down. I dont know how long he has left. Today he was sick and hardly eaten anything. I think we just have to take each day as it comes. I cant look too far ahead. My dad has been my rock and I'm devastated. I'm sorry to hear you are going through the same. 

  • Hi my husband has aggressive non Hoskins lymphoma and is very sick in hospital for the last 6 weeks.  He has not eaten or drunk fluids for months but is getting fluids thru Iv. 
    I am also very worried as he is sick constantly but has nothing in his stomach 

    you are not alone! I am very worried and scared too. Sorry we both have same worry to deal with