Quality of palliative care

[salsabike]

I'm so very sorry. We just attended my dad's memorial service 2 days ago. He was diagnosed only a few months ago with stage 4 colon cancer that had spread all over (please, ladies, get your colonoscopies. At nearly 70 my dad had never had one and hadn't been to the doctor since having a stroke 7-8 years ago). He went through about a month of chemo that didn't help slow/reduce the cancer, then spent only a couple weeks in hospice at home before passing. They did a great job helping keep him comfortable in his late days. When my grandparents passed a few decades ago I don't recall their late days to be so comfortable. None of them were able to pass at home.

Gentle vibes to your dad. I hope his end of life is as comfortable for him (and those of you who love him) as possible.

Oh, zoom-zoom, I'm sorry. That is hard stuff.

Please DO get those colonoscopies. My family has a genetic error that makes us much more likely to get colon cancer, and I must have colonoscopies every two years.

Zoom-zoom and shootingstar, my heartfelt sympathy to you both.

[zoom-zoom]

Oh, zoom-zoom, I'm sorry. That is hard stuff.

Please DO get those colonoscopies. My family has a genetic error that makes us much more likely to get colon cancer, and I must have colonoscopies every two years.

Zoom-zoom and shootingstar, my heartfelt sympathy to you both.

Thanks. We (my siblings and I) learned that my dad's grandma died of colon cancer (one more reason he was a dumb@ss to not regularly go through screenings...especially when it's so preventable/treatable). My dad's years of smoking certainly didn't help matters, but we will likely need to have our first screenings before the usual recommendation of 50. I'm almost 42, so I'm guessing by 45 I'll be advised to start my screenings.

[rebeccaC]

I’m sorry to hear that you have to go through this Kirsten. If I could I’d give both you and shootingstar supportive HUGS anytime either of you wanted/needed them

yes, preventive care ftw......and every person deserves compassion, comfort and dignity at the end of their life's journey

Loved ones leave this life……it hurts

[OakLeaf]

Hugs to you too, Kirsten.

[PamNY]

Hugs to you Shootingstar. I am glad your father has good care, and that you have a sister who sends such detailed information. Nothing makes the loss of a parent easy, but hospice/palliative care is a big help. I will forever be grateful to the people who cared for my parents.

Kirsten, I am sorry for your loss.

I hope both of you are taking care of yourselves, too.

[AppleTree]

Shootingstar and zoom-zoom, thoughts are with you...

[shootingstar]

My father passed away 2 days ago. One of my sisters did see him take his last breath.

Given the rapid decline of him within the last 3 months, dying at home would have not been a good choice nor would we ourselves could help him safely. His skin when even lightly touched, hurt him.

Christmas is going to be rather quiet, though I will spend Christmas with my siblings and mother for the lst time in ...15 years. Living thousands of km. away makes visiting more precious. Normally it's easier to visit my birth family other times of the year, because of their commitments with in-laws, other stuff, etc.