Esophageal Cancer - nearing the end?

My normally strong, lovely dad was diagnosed with esophageal cancer in September and was given 6 months to live at that time. He was operated on to have a stent fitted, and then another inside that stent a month later. This was an awful time as the stents never took and he struggled to swallow so he had to have them taken out. He was then able to eat small amounts for a month or so and then was back in having another stent fitted as the tumor was pressing making it difficult to swallow. He has barely eaten anything since (that as February). He is declining rapidly and has lost around 6 stones, is unable to sit for any length of time as he gets too sore. He has a hospital bed in the house now and needs a wheelchair to take him from the livingroom to his bedroom as he has no strength to stand. His heart is strong although all other organs and muscles aren't. He sleeps more than he is awake. He coughs alot and struggles to clear his throat. I don't know what to do other than listen to him when he is able to speak (which isn't often). Spending my time at the moment just keeping him company but watching him is heartbreaking. I don't know what to say to him now as it hurts too much. I cannot imagine life without him. Does this sound as though his time with us is nearing an end?

Parents
  •      thank you all for giving advice and kind words during what was a really difficult time with dad. He passed away a few days ago. He was so strong right til the end. He deteriorated more over the Monday so mum and I took turns sitting with him. I had seen a change on the Wednesday morning and just knew. Woke mum up and I’m so glad I did as we were then both able to be there holding his hand. I have never felt pain like it but also relief and major guilt that I knew it was better this way as he was no longer suffering and now at peace. thank you again xx 

  • I am so sorry SB76, and those of us who have walked in your shoes know exactly how you are feeling right at this moment.  The consolation for you and your Mum is the knowledge that your Dad is no longer suffering.  I am so glad that your Dad had you and your Mum with him when he passed, because even if he was not awake I am certain that our loved ones know that we are there with them.  The guilt you are feeling is something that everyone goes through when faced with grief, but please let me assure you that the relief you are feeling that your Dad is now at peace is a true testament to the depth of your love for him........you wanted him to be free and at peace, and at the end of the day, what greater love is there than being prepared to let someone go so that they will be free of their pain and suffering?  I send hugs and condolences to you and your mum and the rest of your family, xx

Reply
  • I am so sorry SB76, and those of us who have walked in your shoes know exactly how you are feeling right at this moment.  The consolation for you and your Mum is the knowledge that your Dad is no longer suffering.  I am so glad that your Dad had you and your Mum with him when he passed, because even if he was not awake I am certain that our loved ones know that we are there with them.  The guilt you are feeling is something that everyone goes through when faced with grief, but please let me assure you that the relief you are feeling that your Dad is now at peace is a true testament to the depth of your love for him........you wanted him to be free and at peace, and at the end of the day, what greater love is there than being prepared to let someone go so that they will be free of their pain and suffering?  I send hugs and condolences to you and your mum and the rest of your family, xx

Children