Jan 26 - The situation for dad is now in a holding pattern. Dad's quality of life is okay, he can go out, while being quite weak. Mum is now struggling with a mystery hip pain. They took her to hospital this week to do tests to see if they can identify the cause? Jan 3 - Dad had a follow-up with his oncology doctor today. The outcomes were - the chemo has shrunk the cancer and may have bought some time but he still has terminal cancer and has 1,3,5 or 7 months left, no one knows exactly, It just depends on when the cancer flares up again. - There will be no more chemo as the side effects nearly killed him. In addition he is now weaker and any more chemo could end his life immediately. - The operation he was booked in for Monday re moving his stoma has been cancelled forever as he is too frail. - The doctor does not expect Dad to get any better/stronger then he is today. He will only get worse. - Camberwell gardens has excellent palliative care and he will continue on his current drugs for pain and see his Doctor every 5 weeks. His local gp and the nurse at the centre are doing a good job managing the pain and will continue to do so. - Dad seems quite happy now that his position is crystal clear and that it is all about ensuring he has good palliative care at this time. Dec 23 - A few more turns as dad struggles with the pain and the medications to control it. The cancer is an aggressive form and so medications are strong. His moods and behaviour has been swinging this week. Mum is coping well, she was a nurse, and certainly switches to this mode, looking after dad. The carers and nurses at the hostel believe it is important for mum to be with dad thru these final stages to help her adjust to him going and when he's gone. However they said they wouldnt be surprised if she relatively quickly forgets when dad goes. Dec 16 - The infection is now under control - and dad is back at the Hostel with mum. He is feeling a bit better. He is making the most of each day. Dec 9 - Another difficult week. Now the main issue is dad's infected (Golden Staph) fingers and this can be treated with antibiotics. His fingers were nearly amputated last week, they are extremely infected and he had plastic surgery on them to help ease the pain. He returned home but in a frail state..(Although my brother said he was giving orders to the nurses before they left!) Mum did not recognise him when he arrived, he was in a wheel chair and had little hair... Mum was fine once told who he was and then went into nursing mode... Dec 1 - Difficult week - dad has thrush, lost his voice - and a high tempt. Probably due to chemo. Has been taken to hospital. Nov 23 It was my mum's b/d today and my dad was able to take her to lunch. Mum has early stages of Alzheimers, so while still recognising everyone she struggles to comprehend and remember what is happening. Dad is back with her in the hostel they live in together. Dad is very grateful for this time. Thanks again for your prayerful support. Nov. 17 Hi all, I spoke to my Dad today about his cancer.
He had a liver biopsy yesterday and the results are in. Its a new cancer, not a recurrence of the bowel cancer. It is small Cell Lung Cancer. Its not amenable to surgery nor Radio Therapy. It is amenable to chemo therapy. Apart from the large lump, he has many small spots on the lung, liver and some bone. Left untreated the doctor estimate 2-3 months to live. With Chemo, the doctor estimates he could have up to 12 months and much at a reasonable quality. Over time the chemo becomes less effective, so its not a cure, just buys some quality time. My Dad remains relatively up-beat, with a very positive attitude - he quoted me the Serenity prayer made popular by the 12 step programs -
Love and gratitude,
Fr Mick
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