My Dad's health has been declining. He has battled cancer the majority of his life. Last year colon cancer, had a successful surgery to remove it. This year he has had an ulcer bleed & a another surgery. He hasn't been eating a whole lot or drinking very much and today he stopped eating and drinking completely. He has been hallucinating for almost 3 days. I have spoken with his doctor & he removed his pain med Tramadol hoping this is what was causing the hallucinations. It was like one day he was ok and the next day his brain flipped a switch. He forgot how to use a spoon so I spoon fed him yesterday morning but he would only eat a little. I know he has always told me no tubes and no machines to keep me alive. His doctor said he feels it may be time for Hospice because he feels my Dad does not seem to be getting better. He said he doesn't believe he will make it 6 months. He is the kindest doctor ever. He even comes to the house to see my Dad. My heart hurts because there is nothing I can do to make him better. All I do is sit with him offer him fluids or something to eat. I hold his hands, rub them & sponge bathe him everyday so that he is fresh & change him about 5 x a day so he doesn't form bed sores. I wished I knew what to do. Hoping to get more answers come Monday Morning. Heavenly Father, please don't let my Daddy suffer too long. Thank you all for letting me get it all out. (Vent) I appreciate our group! God Bless you!
So the important thing to do now is to spend as much time with your dad as you can and say what you need to say before it's too late. Praying for God's peace and comfort to be with you in the days ahead.
Touch is very important. You are doing what you need to. Continue to hold his hand, massage and sponge him and offer him comfort. And talk to him. Recall better days and reminisce.
God bless you and may HE give you strength and peace during this difficult time.
Great big warm hug!
If you can, go get and read the book called Final Gifts by Maggie Callahan and Patricia Kelly. It's about end of life and what the dying persons need and communicate before they die. Some even give a glimpse of what's waiting for them, a place so warm, bright, beautiful and full of love, with loved ones waiting for them.
Wishing you peace and love and that your father will transition quickly and peacefully.
They will help you and your dad.
All Hospice are open 24/7/365 give one a call today and they will evaluate your dad and start services right away. He will have a Nurse come in once a week, more often if they thin it is needed, sometimes they will have a nurse visit daily.
Now for you, and your dad.
Continue to offer food and water but do not push him to eat or drink.
If fluids like water get difficult for him, he may choke you can get products to thicken the liquids. (Hospice will provide this as well)
To anticipate some of the changes read a pamphlet on line that might help. It is called "Crossing the Creek" It explains a lot about what changes your dad will be going through.
((Hugs)) and prayers for both of you.
Your dad is a lucky man to have such a caring daughter.
Hugs! God be with you all!
I hope you will keep us posted.
My sweet Daddy went home to be with Jesus Saturday night! My hurt hurts so bad, I miss him so much! I know he is no longer suffering or in pain. He is with his Mom & Dad. Shoot, I bet he has his fishing pole out in the river already. That comforts my heart! Thank you all for your kindness towards me and my family during this time! I appreciate all of you! God Bless you!
What a wonderful way to think of him, Tamara. I'm so sorry for your loss. Wishing you and your family comfort.
Knowing that our loved ones are with The Lord and just waiting for us is such a wonderful thing. I always rejoice when I read that people know that their loved ones are with The Lord, it helps with the pain of our loss to know that they are no longer suffering.
Great big warm hug!🤗🤗