Liver cancer - what can I expect?
J Wootton
misc.education.medical (there's a "sitting with dying patient" thread there)
sci.med.nursing (in case nurses have some input on your questions)
alt.support.hospice (because)
since you clarified that the violence is verbal, perhaps a chance of pain meds?
closing the door, being sensitive to issues like temperature, lighting, too much
fussing, talking too loud or not loud enough, that might be causing this response.
Not to mention, whether liver cancer has an effect on the brain (or has
metasticized).
Everyone responds to pain and/or dying differently. Close the door if you have
concerns about others over-hearing (or noise).
This is his "trip" and the best we can do is find ways to be there and help as we
can.
From a religious POV, I suspect, that his God will be more than willing to
understand and forgive most anything when a person is dying. Perhaps a lesson to
us humans?
HTH
J
PS If he's having the kinds of back pains that I've been having, it's sometimes
difficult to find a position where there is no pain. I believe that hospitals
have certain protocols, left side, right side, back. Perhaps with extra pillows,
you and family can encourage staff to try variations of same to see if the pain
lessons, although it might be a moving target, since the liver is a very large
organ.
Jacksonr4 wrote: (in alt.support.cancer)
> My brother, age 40, has been diagnosed with advanced liver cancer. In January
> he was given 2-6 months to live. He is now taking time-release morphine pills
> twice a day and Percocet (1-2 tablets every 4 hours as needed). He has also
> had a lot of abdominal swelling and back pain. He's starting talking "out of
> his head" some of the time, and is really violent at times. What can I look
> for to signal that the end of his life is near?
>
> Hospice nurses said he would start sleeping more and more, and probably would
> die peacefully in his sleep. So far this is occurring more and more, as he
> sleeps much of the day and night. Can anyone else give my any tell-tale
> symptoms? Thank you so much for any information you can give me.
>
> Teacher/Mom in MS
RamblinOn
J Wootton wrote:
Toxic effects of loss of liver function probably are responsible for his mental
status, along, possibly, with pain. Speak with his physician to see if draining some
of the fluid from his abdomen might help with the comfort issue. Also, ask his
physician what he anticipates - nobody can predict precisely, no matter what. If he
has favorite music, perhaps have his music playing at times. Read a story. Keep
light, noise to a minimum.
His comfort, at this late stage, should be primary. Hopefully any family members
involved are in agreement that his comfort is primary. I have seen families of dying
patient fight over whether to medicate for pain or keep the patient awake in order to
visit. Holding a hand or speaking softly to reassure that you are there can mean a
great deal. If his skin is very dry, perhaps those with him can gently apply lotion
to help keep him comfortable. Sometimes itching becomes pretty bothersome with
jaundice. Tell him he is loved and you will try your best to keep him comfortable.
paula.allen3
comments posted have helped if you have access to a good book shop or
library, a small book by Hanratty and Higginson. ISBN1-85775-030-6 may be
of help to you, god bless.
J Wootton <jwoo...@home.com> wrote in message
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