Latest update on my dad…very sad:/

Honeez, I just want to say that the tears came on your last post here as your Dad reminded me so much of Teddy right down to the kids calling him Papa. Teddy made sure EVERYONE got a special visit with him and that he said what he wanted to say to each. He even had made up little packets of his “valuables” so everyone would have something, even close friends. You see, to me, your Dad’s atitude is a sign he has come to his own terms, he is not afraid and he has made his Peace. To me the hardest part was the day he went to the Hospice facility as he knew he needed to go but asked me to drive him! OMG it was the hardest thing I ever did in my life as I knew we were going there as a couple and I would then be without him. BUT no matter how long or short this interval, make the most of it as it will carry you through. I am here if you need anything o just slip me an email. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.

Honeez – I lost my Dad to this cancer 2 years ago in June. I can so remember the emotions we went through when hospice got involved. We had nurses stay at the house at night for the first while, and then we eventually moved him to a hospice. The day they came to take him from the house is one I will never forget, but once we were there, we wished we had been able to bring him sooner. He would have loved it, and the people. It’s a terrifying and sad step, but one I’m sure he, and all of you, will be happy to have made. We were so lucky with Dad as the nurses and staff were incredible. He made a peep and they were in there making sure he was 100% comfortable. We never had to worry about him hurting. You have to watch carefully though – nobody deserves to go through pain, it’s unecessary and some places are better then others about ensuring the complete comfort of the patients.

What Notdoneyet said about those final days… it’s true. As hard as it is, try to look past losing him and see what it is he is gaining, and know there is no doubt in the world that they are not alone, not for one second. It’s an incredible journey, one I wrote about here and I’m sure you could search if you were interested. Those last few weeks with Dad were incredible, and brought me more peace then I could have ever hoped for. It’s hard, and emotional, and I miss him terribly, but I know he’s in a good place… the way he talked about his “other world” ensured we KNEW it was a good place.

I wish you many good times and positive memories with your Dad ahead. Make sure to let him know that you are going to be okay while you can. I think all Dad’s need to know there little girls (regardless of age) are going to be okay. Take advantage of every second with him, and know that there are people all over the world thinking of you and praying for you, and your family. Stay strong.

Hugs from across the miles,
Jen

I would like to take a different spin on this! What a surprise!!! SO….NOT DONE EVER! You will always be the Mother for Eternity. Your son will hear your voice, he will see your smile and you will see him in different ways. He has only gone to the next room until you are to be together again.
I went through some of the same things you did with Hospice. For the most part they are just wonderful but we still have to be vigilant, and you dear lady did a great job as a mother and advocate. Teddy also had a glorious journey at the very end and we felt privilidged to be a part of it. It was totally amazing. This is how I like to remember him as he met and greeted those that went before him. There are no words to describe it. I cannot imagine the pain of loosing a child and just know we hope you hang around with us, it can be very cathartic. Sending you lots of love.

Your Father and your family’s courage at this time shows the great love you have for one another. Your Dads decision was the same as my sons and I do not regret one moment of being next to him on his journey. Hospice was wonderful. This is usually a painful cancer and I had promised my son there would be no pain, as that was the one thing he feared. We did have to press Hospice for more and stronger meds the last week. If it helps at all, follow your heart. If you feel he is in pain, help him. Be HIS advocate and insist upon his complete comfort. Do not doubt yourself! We did use one suppository prescribed for every 12 hours at four hour intervals. It worked to relieve him. After the new nurse called and got over being upset with me she realized he had not been prescribed an adequate amount. She fixed that oversight immediately. So follow your heart in his care. The only thing I can say that might help your sorrow is……we are not a religious family, but we were fortunate enough to spend a few hours watching my son transition. As his Mom it soothed my soul to KNOW he was not alone and see for myself the most amazing unexplainable and soul comforting interactions he had with ?, two days before his passing! I try to keep thinking of that as right now the air hurts to breathe, I’m missing him so. My best wishes for peace and comfort for your Dad and all of your family!

Dear Honeez,

I am real sorry to hear about your dad. I was there with my dad where you are right now and I so know what you are feeling and what you are going through right now. As Lainy has said, you don’t have to say anything, we know.

It sounds to me like your dad has made his decisions and he wants to do everything now on his terms and to me that is fair enough. I know that it may be hard to understand and is a tough situation, but my dad went through the same when he went into hospice care. Hospice care will be of great help to you all and they will make sure that your dad is as comfortable as possible. My dads experience with hospice care was very good and both he and us have nothing but good things to say about the care that he got from them.

I look back on this time with a lot of fond memories as well. Some might think that strange but we were able to spend so much time with each other and talk lots and we did share some laughs as well about many many things that had happened over the years. Everyone told me to treasure this time and make good memories and they were so right about that. So I will say the same to you as well.

And please remember that we are all here for you always.

Hugs,

Gavin

Honeez…Although the news is shocking and difficult to digest, I much admire your Dad for his courage and his strength – he wants to control his destiny. Honeez, you have been strong all along and you will be in the time to come. If indeed your Dad decides on Hospice then you will have the support needed to make him comfortable. It will allow you to tend to his need and treasure the time given.
As far as I remember, you had mentioned hiccups which possible could be indicative of a blockage causing problems with digestion. If so, then you might want to discuss with the physician the possibility of a Gastrojejunostomy (GJ.) This surgical procedure connects the stomach to the proximal loop of the jejunum. It is usually done either for the purpose of draining the contents of the stomach or to provide a bypass for the gastric contents. It can be done laparoscopically or percutaneously.
Most often this procedure is done for unresected patients, but we have also seen it performed for those that have been resected. There is some risk involved (mainly infection) but it is worth discussing it with the physician. Please know that your Dad does not have an expiration date stamped on his feet. Try to live each day and relish the weeks or months for what it is – the most memorable of gifts granted to your family.
Please, stay with us. We care and we will stand by you – all the way.
Hugs,
Marion