Signs of progression

SteveA · New User Joined: 21 Nov 2006 Posts: 1

Hello All,
I was hoping that someone can help me out.
My dad was diagnosed termial at the end of OCT06 and given 2 months ....best guess.

Both he and i have accepted the diagnosis, he isnt gonna change his lifestyle and im not gonna try to make him, he will still drink his port and i will watch him Wink

We are both resigned to the fact that he will die, it has been accepted and we spend hours talking, playing chess and enjoying each others company.
What i would like to know is what are the signs that the disease is spreading, nobody, least of all his doctor, are prepared to open up.....perhaps he thinks that he is looking after me ...i dont know.

He has suffered a lot of weight loss (there wasnt much of him to start with), is very tired and is on liquid morphine to contol the pain and it seems his liver is having trouble dealing with fluid and his skin is showing what i belive to be liver spots.

We have both talked about it and we both agree that it would be a crime if he lingered and to be honest, he prefers to be here one day and gone the next.

Quanity of life isnt the big issue here, but the ability for me to recognise the symptoms and signs that the end is nigh or fast approaching are as he live by himself, i live about 100kms away, but call in everyday.

Any help greatly appreciated and please send me a prvate message if you can help me out.
I look forward to any help.
regards
Steve

debfrom leeds · New User Joined: 23 Nov 2006 Posts: 1

Hi Steve - thought I'd try to help you with my own experience. My dad died on Oct 9th after being diagnosed with liver cancer in Jan 06. I too lived quite a way from him, and although he had my Mum to look after him, they both needed support.
I think I realised that his time was coming to a close when he was unable to keep any fluids or solids down, even very small amounts - he too had no weight to speak of and this worried me greatly as it became apparent he didn't have much strength with which to fight much longer. He also spent much longer periods of time in bed, partly because that is where he said he was comfiest, but also because he had need of a great amount of sleep.
These symptoms went on for about a month and a half, although I don't think you can rely on that being the same in every case.
Things quickly took a turn for the worse when he had a fit at home and was admitted to hospital.
All I can say is to visit when you can, just remember that you are not perfect and you may not always be able to be there when you wish you were there. I hope that makes sense. Also be strong and rely on your own judgement - you will know.

	Cancer Forums Forum Index -> Liver Cancer Forum	All times are GMT - 5 Hours
Page 1 of 1

A website for discussions about any type of cancer, including lung cancer, breast cancer, mesothelioma, prostate cancer, laryngeal cancer, leukemia, lymphoma, multiple myeloma and others