My 80 year old Dad was diagnosed with bowel cancer this time last year. He had surgery to remove the tumour. He had a secondary tumour in his lung which was removed in January 2017. He recovered to some extent but became thin and frail. Unsteady on his feet. He had a scan in August which showed a number of small tumours in his lungs and a new tumour on his adrenal gland. The Oncologist advised that he enjoy the rest of the summer then have a repeat scan in October. The past 2 weeks he lost his appetite and has been vomiting- sometimes massively, undigested food, sometimes just small amounts. He has fallen a number of times. Thankfully not hurt himself yet. My Mum is caring for him as best she can. He got his scan results yesterday. No change in the lungs but the adrenal tumour has grown a bit. He has been offered oral chemo as an outpatient- but my Mum rang earlier to say he’s thought long and hard but decided he doesn’t want the chemo. I have mixed feelings about this. I understand that he’s had enough and is suffering. His quality of life is already poor even before he starts with debilitating chemo side effects. He goes nowhere as he is too frail. But I’m also worried that it’s the wrong decision. I don’t know what to think. I know he is dying but it’s how he will die that is scaring me. I want him to suffer as little as possible. Any kind words/thoughts would be very welcome. My brain is in turmoil.
