How long left?

Hello everyone 

My partner is now in hospice with end stage lung cancer metastases in brain and bones. All treatment has been withdrawn except pain relief and something to help with fluid in lungs. He is very confused when awake, which isn't much as he is sleeping most of the time. He is on oxygen and breathing quite laboured. Only managing to eat a little ice cream now and not keen on drinking. This has been his condition for a week now and still he fights on. I just don't know what to expect when the end comes. I am scared he will suffer or be in pain and not able to say so. As much as my heart is breaking I just want him to be at peace. How long does this end stage last?  

 

  • Hi, 

    firstly I just want to say I’m so sorry you’re going through this. Life is so cruel and unfair. My mum went through the same thing from December - April. For her the final stage lasted 4 months.... everyone is different and I think mums case was rare for it to go on for so long. 

    You’ll know it’s near the end when they start sleeping more and drifting in and out of consciousness. Once they stop drinking it’s usually a few days. Everyone is different though. What I would say is the fact he’s in the hospice is the best thing, as they deal with this every day and will know when he is suffering and how to make him more comfy. They’ll do their best for him. 

    Dont underestimate how much stress you’re under yourself - try to look after yourself.

    L x