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Lung cancer with days to live

Highlander-2020
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Hi 

we discovered last weekend that my dad has small cell lung cancer and due to other health problem ( heart failure etc ) he would not be able to receive any treatment . They told us at the hospital he only had a couple of days left but here we are a week later and he's never looked better and is eating loads . He's had a few days where he has slept all day but mostly he's awake and chatting away. 
 

is this normal ? He doesn't seem like someone who's about to die . Does the fact he's sitting chatting away mean he has longer ? It's confusing especially for the grandkids . 
 

thanks J 

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    Hi. I'm sorry you too are in this position. I know what you are going through and it's so hard. 
    my sister has the same cancer. Yesterday she was able to eat and chat but last night showed signs of distress. During the night she was very restless and in and out of sleep. Today nurses have said she only has hours left. At 4pm they put a driver in her. She has not woken up. The driver is giving her continuous medication to keep her calm and peaceful. We are shocked to see how quickly she deteriorated as we now sit waiting for her last breath. She is too young to die but she has suffered so much in 6 months that I just want her to pass and be at peace. I hope you can stay strong, but it's hard. And, know so many are with you at this tragic time. I wish you strength and peace.

  • Offline in reply to grandkids

    Hi , thank you for your reply . I am so sorry to hear about your sister I hope she is at peace soon. You've answered my question with the reply I really didn't want . At this time I feel like I'm the only one going through this and then I read your situation and remember there's a lot of us out there. It's heart breaking . 
    stay strong , thinking about you 

  • Offline in reply to Highlander-2020

     

    Hi Highlander.

    A very warm welcome to our forum, although I'm so sorry to hear why you've joined us. This is a very harrowing time and we would all like to know how much time we have with our loved ones. Sadly, people are all different and they will go in their own good time. Doctors can give us a prognosis, but this is at best a 'guesstimate' and people can sometimes live way past this projection, whilst others will pass much sooner. Grandkids post is pretty typical and just shows how unpredictable the outcome can be.

    I am not a doctor, but have been through this more often than I care to remember. Nearly each time it has been different. On the whole, you know that there's not long left when the driver is put in. You will also notice that there is a tendency to sleep more, be confused at times and to stop eating or drinking.

    I am so sorry to hear that you are going through this heart break and wish you the strength to see this through.

    Please keep in touch. We are always here for you.

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx

  • Offline in reply to grandkids

     

    Hi Grandkids,

    A very warm welcome to our forum, although I am so sorry to hear of what you are going through. I well remember being in the same position as you when my beloved mum died. She had suffered so much for so long that I was relieved to see her finally at peace and no longer suffering.

    I am hoping and praying that your sister has a peaceful passing and can be finally laid to rest. Please keep in touch. We are always here for you.

    Thinking of you and your family and wishing you the strength to see this through.

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx

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    Hi

    Im sorry for what your going through.

    My dad was diagnosed with lung cancer around late Feb and at the point of diagnosis we were told he had 2 weeks left. I'm actually fact my dad stayed with us a further 6 weeks and passed away at home peacefully on 22nd April. During that time we had what I call several false alarms - to the point we thought that was it and were saying our good byes. There were days when he was really low and others when he totally perked up - it can be very up and down. Towards the end Dad was less talkative and drifted slowly out of conciousness - it's when that happens you know you are near the end. All I can say is that use this time as a gift, spend as much time together and say all those things that are important. We also lost our mother to cancer 3 years ago but the difference was it went undiagnosed and her death took us by total surprise. While no experience is any easier, all I can say as hard as it is to know your losing your loved one, simply having that time to say good bye and have as much quality time really helps with the grieving process. 
     

    I don't know if what I'm saying helps at all - just cherish every moment as you reasonably can and know that time eventually heals.

    Wishing you both strength and fortitude.

  • Offline in reply to Al_Neri

    Thank you all for your replies and I'm sorry what you've all gone through. My dads still sitting up talking and eating but the doctor has just been and has said they're going to fit the driver for pain . I'm guessing this isn't good sign. The doctor said he's made of tough stuff and he's proved him wrong on every corner so far but he the end is coming . Love with you all . Thanks 

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