Dad is dying

Hello,

My Dad was diagnosed with stage 3 pancreatic cancer last October following a heart attack in July. It has recently spread to his liver and after being diagnosed with ascites. 

2 weeks ago he went down hill and we actually got called to the hospital as they didn’t think he was going to make it through the day. Luckily, he did and we’ve since managed to get him home. 

He sort of perked up a bit at home and has been sitting up, standing up, walking around the room with support from us.. you can’t really have a conversation with him as he’s airy fairy but he’s still aware of us and his surrounding barring some hallucinations now and again. 

I understand a lot of people will slip into unconsciousness before the very end and I’m just wondering if anyone had any signs that that was coming? Every day is a blessing but I don’t want to get ahead of myself thinking it won’t happen as I know it will at some point. He is still sipping liquid (sometimes not keeping it down) and has the occasional ice pop. 

Sorry to anyone else who is/ has been going through this :(

  • Hello Niamhb and welcome. I am so sorry to hear about your dad. I looked after my mum who had terminal cancer, then went into health/cancer care after. Niamh i am not an expert, but as i have looked after many people with terminal cancer at end of life i can only give my opinion, your dad was probably given some strong painkillers at hospital, which as you say perked him up, and hopefully he may get more when the pain gets worse again. these may need to get stronger as his pain will probably worsen. The medication is really good at pain relief but also make you tired, sleepy and confused and often end up unconscious near the end. Niamh your dad will sleep for longer and longer due to hiss illness and medication. I would love to be able to tell what will happen just before he goes unconscious but cancer and treatment effects people in many ways, It seems your dad has a wonderful family caring for him, a family that loves him. Niamh as i have terminal cancer i know how important that is, so take your own advice and take every day as a blessing. please take care, Eddie