I should add that he is in good spirits and still eating and drinking.

he knows he has cancer, but I don't think he realises it's terminal....as in soon.  The doctor was very softly spoken and with an Asian accent.  We found it hard to hear her and understand, let alone grandad whose hearing isn't the best.

Hi

Really sorry to read  your post and,in part, can relate to your Granddad's illness. My husband was diagnosed with pleural Mesothelioma at age 60 (following what we thought was a chest infection did not clear up after two courses of antibiotics).  There is unfortunately no cure (as yet) for this cancer and he too was placed on palliative care with check ups at the hospital. We were advised at diagnosis that, for him terminal (never staged) and the consultant was very clear when answering questions including that every case wasdifferent and she had patients  who passed away within weeks and others who managed quite well for 10yrs plus  We were also put in touch with a charity called HASAG (they have a website).  They are based in the south but were a mine of information and assistance as regards financial help (Iassume your granddad has been advised as regards benefits which can be claimed for Mesothelioma)

I do not have experience with oxygen as my hubby never required it but his increasing pain levels were treated with various pain relief and he was offered and accepted palliative chemo though his body did not react well and with mutual consent this was stopped.  Thereafter it was a gradual decline for nearly three years as his breathing and pain worsened. He was eventually unable to eat solids and had prescribed drinks.  My hubby was at home by choice and we had community nurses on call as and when required and these became regular in his last weeks.

If your granddad lives alone then I am sure his medical team/GP will make sure any care package is organised before he leaves hospital and if he gives them permission they can discuss everything with you which may make things easier.  He may also be assigned a MacMillan nurse and any support you can receive can help.

It is great that your granddad is eating and drinking still and his 'good spirits'  must be so welcome just now.  I hope the oxygen will help raise his levels and keep him more comfortable.

Hope this helps a little. Regards, Jules54

If you have questions do ask away until you get the answers you need (my husband preferred not to talk about it so I was the 'go between' so to speak. 

Hi again

Just wanted to add that there is some information on Mesothelioma on this Cancer Research site and hopefuly the  forum moderators will see this and maybe supply the necessary link for you to read it if this would be helpful.J

Hi Jules and [@Triste]‍, 

I'm just following up on your post to provide the information we have on our website about mesothelioma. Just click here to find out more.

I'm also including a link to some general information about what to expect in the final weeks and days for you to have a look at as well Triste, but due to what is being discussed it can be a tough read so I'd only recommend looking through it properly if you feel you're ready to do so or have someone with you for support.

I hope this helps and I wish you and your grandad all the best at this difficult time.

Kind regards, 

Steph, Cancer Chat Moderator

Thanks Steph. Jules

Hi,

My husband is 57 and has just been diagnosed with mesathelomia.. surgery isn't an option,  I'm not quite sure why as my mind is all over the place and the initial diagnosis was about all I could take in.. I just remember the consultant saying.. it's not good news, it's very serious.. I'm worried if I'm going to be able to do enough for my lovely husband, im being strong..  but broken inside..  I have a son who my husband has bought up as his own who is austic so I'm trying to explain to him too. I feel lost.. any advice much appreciated 

Lou

Hi Lou

It is always sad to read of another family facing a challenging journey with Mesothelioma. My husband was 60 at diagnosis , our children adults and we had a young grandson.  I used this forum a great deal to write my fears down, obtain advice and generally offload.  Talking here did not stop the fear/worry but helped considerably with my understanding.  Advice is always a little difficult as each person faces a different journey.  The first advice I got here was to write down any questions I might have so I could voice them at any medical appointments; another very valuable suggestion was to take one day at a time and get support for yourself as and when you need it. We were very fortunate to have an amazing oncologist consultant and palliative care team.  Surgery was not an option in hubby's case either (you could ask the reasons behind this at the next appointment you have - in my husband's situation he was not well enough and the growth already too advanced but he was offered palliative chemo to try and help).

As far as your son is concerned you and your husband know him best and I think instinct will tell you how much news he can handle as the days move forward..  Not sure where you are based (I am in Middlesex UK) but we were given the details of HASAG (a voluntary charity who gave us a lot of guidance in the early months especially as to obtaining possible financial payments going forward) and they have a website.

In order to have that special strength remember to care for yourself. I cried, he cried (usually separately but sometimes together). If you have questions I am happy to try and answer though I know medical treatment etc will have moved on a fair bit since my hubby's diagnosis back in 2012. 

Take care,  Jules