Hi there ..

So sorry your going through this heartbraking time at the moment... it's so hard knowing someone we love is terminal .. l think your grieving even now .. 

My mum went suddenly one Monday morning calling me to discuss comming up mine the next day .. the last thing she said was "see ya tomorrow,  love" well at 5.20 that afternoon she had a massive heart attack and had no chance to even say those things like I was so proud to be her daughter... or one more hug .. or one more "I love you" ... I'd give anything for just one hour with her ..

You have your dad here right now .. make every moment count ... say all what's in your heart .. share tears and hugs .. and leave nothing unsaid .. having someone there to hold our hand on this last journey,   means more then you'll ever know ... you've been blessed to have him for so long .. although it's never long enough .. l lost both my amazing mum and dad in my 30s ... so l remember all to well the heartache ..  but don't try to be strong as your mum is probly trying to be strong for you too .. when you both need to come together and then you'll all hold each other through this ... 

Sending you a vertual hug... Chrissie xx

I'm so sorry to hear about your dad's decline. It is extremely puzzling how anyone can deteriorate almost over night. I experienced a similar situation as my dad was your dad's age 78! He lived with me and he walked everyday, we went to a fleamarket EVERY weekend, and he'd go with me everywhere I went whether it was shopping, running errands, etc. Dad was ALWAYS there with me. Then suddenly he wasn't. Doctors found a 7cm tumor in his right lung. It was Stage 4 Non Small Cell Lung Cancer. We declined treatment as it would've been too aggressive for him, and we preferred quality of life VS quantity. We didn't want him to undergo aggressive treatment and suffer more and longer. From diagnosis to death was only 17 weeks. I want you to pray for your dad that he has a beautiful and peaceful passing when the time comes. You will not understand WHY this is happening but you have to trust in God and that he has a perfect plan. It isn't easy at all as I still cry and long for my dad after nearly two years. Be strong for him and the rest of your family. Your faith will definitely be tested but make the best of whatever time is left. Keep dad comfortable and tell him everyday how much you love him even if he seems to be asleep and not listening. Play soft or his favorite music. Reminisce on good times and your favorite childhood memories. Let dad know that he was the best dad ever! Don't leave anything unsaid. Let go of any anger. Ask God to give you strength. Everything will be okay.

Hi Bookworm

I lost my dad to prostate cancer about 3 1/2 years ago. He lived in Canada while I live in the south of England. He was in and out of hospital for ages and it wasnt until one of my Candian sisters kicked up a fuss the hospital admited it was mostly due to his prostate cancer returning after abot 30 years.

I didnt know my dad that well as he went back to Canada at the end of the war. We went out to meet him 30 odd years ago for a month and we were so alike; same likes and dislikes and got on so well together. 

So it was so hard not being there to support him and my brothers and sisters. So although my case is very differnt to yours, I do know how you feel. I also lost my mother to breast cancer just over 13 years ago. She lived close by but to see her slowly fade away was so hard.

I echo what the other two replies have stated so well.Make memories while you can because they do help in time. Sending kind thoughts your way, Brian

Thank you for all your kind words and replies.

My dad passed away Saturday evening at home . I cannot express how devastated and upset I am. I do however take comfort knowing dad is now out of pain and can rest preacefully.