Tuesday, January 24, 2012

My stepdad has been battling stage 4 lung cancer for over 2 years. They advised us tonight he is going to die


My stepdad has been battling stage 4 lung cancer for over 2 years. They advised us tonight he is going to die?
soon. Over the course of the last month he has been told the cancer spread to his abdomen. He has been getting bloated - and they have been having to tap him for the last 2 weeks. Yesterday 4.3 litres of liquid. Do any doctors know how long do you est he has? Thanks Erin
Cancer - 5 Answers
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1 :
My sympathy goes out to you and your family,,,,along with all that are friends. It's a difficult time for you all. The doctors do the best they can when deciding on the exact time any individual has left to live, but their guesses are given based on past cases. And most of the time the doctors do get real close. Your dad is definately close,,,,, Please talk with your dad about the Lord and his salvation. It might also be time for you to turn him over to the Lord and start praying for your dad and family, and ask the Lord to give you all the strength and love you're going to need in the soon future.......
2 :
Hi Erin.....I'm not a doctor. My step dad died of cancer about ten years ago. After the bloating started, he lived about ten more days.....but he was at home with us, at his request. They may have been able to prolong it at the hospital, but it's very painful, and he decided not to prolong it. He also didn't want to die in a hospital. Sorry to intrude, but I just thought it might be helpful.........stay with your family....it's an important time to be 'there'. Also, say everything to him that you want to, or need to, ASAP. That's all I have. It's tough. Take care.
3 :
yes it is very hard. my aunt just passed away with lung cancer, she experienced the bloating and not eating as well. however she keep on trying. she lasted a month once the bloating started. se if your family is nterested n hospic care for your step dad. we had it for my granma and my aunt. it was very helpful for everyone. hang in there dear!
4 :
The length of time is going to depend greatly on him. Is he ready to die, or is he still fighting? Has the family let him know its ok to die, or are they telling him he needs to hold on and fight? Is he depressed or in good spirits? My honest advice is make peace very soon with the fact that he will likely die very soon. Make sure he knows that you love him, but you know its his time and if hes ready its ok to let go. Maybe even get him to sign out of the hosp and die at home. Medications can make this process easier on him. And I in no way mean to be offensive, but euthanization (done by him only if its what he wants) can make the experience much more pleasant as well. It will be sad and very hard, but try to celebrate his life, rather than mourning his death. Perhaps if there is something he never got the chance to do, he could do it now, or you could somehow find a way for him to see or experience whatever it is.
5 :
Erin, my mom was in the same situation. Lung cancer, bloating, fluid in the abdomen. She died within a week and a half after these symptoms. Hospice is a great organization to call. Your dad can be at home and they will keep him comfortable with breathing treatments, valium, morphine, etc... Enjoy the time you have left and be thankful for the time spent.



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