Terminal lung cancer, treatment stopped, how long to live?
My father has terminal lung cancer. It has progressed to the point that the doctor have stopped treatment, have him in the ICU (clots) and each day his chest xrays just look worse and worse. He has an oxygen mask on and his vitals continue to be weak. He struggles to stay awake cause he completely fears death. Does anyone know of anyone who has held on this long... and how long could he continue to hold on? he cant be moved right now to Hospice because when he sits up or stands his heart rate plummets. Plus we found out today that his body is forming antibodies against the anti-clotting medication... Its very sad. I am 6 months pregnant and several states away, my doctor cannot clear me to go see him becuase I am very high risk and require weekly shots and evals. It is very hard and I feel very helpless and useless. He even told me not to travel but its so hard.
Cancer - 7 Answers
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1 :
My mom had the same illness. Is there anyway he can go home and receive palliative care? When my mom went home, she did better being out of the hospital surroundings. She held on for about a month. Bless you, I know it is so hard.
2 :
when the morphine starts, 2 days, that's what happened with my grandma...
3 :
my mom's got the same thing. she's still doing chemo, but can only do partial treatments cuz she's spilling protein. i feel for you. it sounds like it won't be long now, i'm sorry to say. will he stay in the ICU or be transferred to hospice? i'm soooo sorry you're going thru this. i'm learning that this is an emotional rollercoaster. HUGS to you & your family.
4 :
It can be tomarrow or it could stretch for weeks. The important thing here.. is anyone pressuring him to hold on? Is he waiting for something to happen before he lets go? My advice is for everyone to make there peace and let him know everything is ok and that you love him and will miss him, buts it ok to go. It will be more peaceful and easier for him that way.
5 :
I am very sorry to hear that my dad passed when i was 16 from lung cancer.my dad passed in about 2-3 weeks but he wouldn't take anything to help with the pain.my dad was a stubborn hillbilly.my prayers are with you and your family.
6 :
When treatment stops, it's generally a matter of a couple of weeks, though he could go anytime once he DOES sleep and his vitals give up. Call the hospital and speak to the chaplain. He or she may be a comfort to you and your dad.
7 :
God Bless you. My dad died of lung cancer this month. No one knew he had it except his wife. He was diagnosed last May, if that gives you some kind of a time line. You need to say everything you want to say, I didn't get to do this, because I didn't know he was dying. Please don't let him die with you having any regrets. I wish you all the best of luck. Have you thought of making a DVD with you talking on it, and telling him how you feel? It might make him feel closer to you, since you cannot visit. I will pray for you and your family.
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Title : Terminal lung cancer, treatment stopped, how long to live
Description : Terminal lung cancer, treatment stopped, how long to live? My father has terminal lung cancer. It has progressed to the point that the d...