How Do You Die From Cancer

mindy10
mindy10 Member Posts: 182 Member
edited March 2014 in Colorectal Cancer #1
Hi everyone, I am having these thoughts alot lately because my dad is getting worse. I wonder how the cancer eventually gets you. Does it shut down your organs and thats how you pass. My biggest fear is my dad has a large tumor in his lung. I have this fear he will eventually suffercate as it gets bigger. I want him to be uncouncious when he passes on so he does not know its happening. So does anyone out there have loved ones that had it metasisized in the lung and if so how did your loved one die at the end? Sorry im just so scared right now for him and our family. Mindy

Comments

  • kerry
    kerry Member Posts: 1,313 Member
    #2
    Of course you are scared. Talk with your father's doctor about your thoughts, he can best explain. When ever the time comes, your doctor will probably recommend hospice care and they can give you information as well as comfort for you and your dad.

    I will hold you in my thoughts and prayers.

    Kerry
  • ron50
    ron50 Member Posts: 1,723 Member
    #3
    Hi Mindy,
    Don't stress it will be peaceful. A young friend of mine passed away from double lung cancer. He told the doctors that he wanted no pain so as his condition worsened they increased his meds and he passed peacefully and painlessly. You need to talk to your doctors and just make sure that they do what you and your Dad want when the time comes.((((((Mindy))))))my thoughts are with you,Ron.
  • Kanort
    Kanort Member Posts: 1,272 Member
    #4
    Hi Mindy,

    My aunt recently passed away from lung cancer and Hospice kept her very comfortable. She died peacefully with her family by her side.

    I am so sorry that you are facing this difficult time. Please know that we are here for you and your family.

    Hugs,

    Kay
  • 2bhealed
    2bhealed Member Posts: 2,064 Member
    #5
    hi mindy,

    My sister died 14 years ago and I'll tell you the end was anything but peaceful I'm glad the others had good experiences but we surely didn't. Eventually she was drugged enough to be "peaceful" but when she was brought in to the hospital it was actually pretty violent.

    If you want details you can email me on here. I understand and respect your need to prepare.

    peace, emily
  • KathiM
    KathiM Member Posts: 8,028 Member
    #6
    Mindy, my aunt passed from lung cancer.
    Near the end, they just kept increasing the morphine...
    Make sure you ask dad about HIS choice on recessitation, etc...make SURE it is in writing for the 'just in case'. Now, don't freak...I did this when I first found out about my cancer...also named a Medical Power of Attorney (I am not married, otherwise spouse is that) and updated my will. The LAST thing I wanted was to be kept alive artificially...I have a DNR directive with me all the time.
    Hugs for being so caring and brave,
    Kathi
  • scouty
    scouty Member Posts: 1,965 Member
    #7
    Mindy,

    I am so sorry you are having to go thru this but I think I have recommended you bring in Hospice care before. While it may seem like a pain to make a phone call to people you never met but every single person I know that has been in your shoes regrets not calling them sooner. They can tell you exactly what to expect when, it is their expertise.

    Lisa P.
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    #8
    This comment has been removed by the Moderator
  • CAMaura
    CAMaura Member Posts: 719 Member
    #9
    Oh...you are such an angelt o think of these things. No, your dad will not be uncomfortable. My father recently died - two months ago. It was a hard situation as he found out that his gastric cancer had retruned and was terminal. But he was comfortable untilt he end; at that time - and he was quite the cowboy - he was given morphine to be comfortable and died about six hours later. Yes, his organs did give out; but he did not know it. Other than my own experience - with another form of cancer - I can only tell you to ask a lot of questions and to treat yourself and your father well...his and your love will shine through. Take care - Maura
  • Btrcup
    Btrcup Member Posts: 286
    #10
    Mindy, Scott's passing was very peaceful. Though he did not have mets to the lungs, he did have a bad infection in his groin area which caused alot of pain. Once he was brought to hospice, they controlled the pain very well. It was very comforting for me to know he was no longer suffering. I kissed him goodnight at 8:20pm when his twin brother came to sit with him. He passed away at 8:40pm watching COPS and ordering pizza with his brother (we like to think he at least heard COPS in the background). I thought it fitting that he and his brother came into the world together and Scott left with his brother at his side.

    I'm so sorry you have to go through this too. You will continue to be in my thoughts.

    Linda
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    #11
    Mindy, I too am so very sorry that you are going through this but believe it or not, your thoughts are very valid and "normal" as I thought about it many times in the three years from diagnosis to the death of my mom last September of lung cancer. My mom died very peacefully (thank God) and not actually from the lung cancer itself but from complications brought on by the lung cancer. She was fit as a fiddle in June, went to Europe for six weeks, came back with post obstructive pneumonia as well as a blood clot in her lung. The blood clot was resolved, but not the pneumonia. She was kept as comfortable as possible, yet still with us to answer any questions with nods of her head. When I asked her many times if there was any pain or breathing discomfort, she replied "no" by shaking her head. In the final days, her organs slowly started to shut down, sedation was heavier, morphine drip started, and in less the 20 minutes, her heart gave out and she was set FREE.

    Hugs,
    Monika
  • debcanmcg
    debcanmcg Member Posts: 32
    #12
    To me the last stage of dieing is harder on the caregiver. The love one is under a lot of sadation and unknowing of whats going on. The caregiver must watch, hold and tell that person howmuch they are loved and will be missed and to go in peace. As for me I hope that was how my husband of 30+ years left. I was holding him and telling him how much I loved him and I was sorry that he had to leave and he just quitely quit breathing. I continued to hold him till someone pulled me away. He died at 6:33 am with just me and his nurse. I did not call anyone to tell them he was dieing then as I did not want anyone else to be with him but me. Selfish but I wanted him to be remembered as the strong in control man he was.

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