I'm not really sure what to write on here but was hoping that it might provide me with some comfort.
On 1st April 2019, my Dad celebrated his birthday. On the 2nd he took himself to A&E as his tummy had ballooned overnight.
He was diagnosed with an abscess on his gallbladder and a drain was fitted to drain off the excess fluid. He was sent home with the drain in and 6 weeks later returned to have his gallbladder removed.
By the beginning of June, we were informed that cancer cells had been identified in his gallbladder ( which was now removed). They would have him back in hospital and scrape the area. This happened in August and 15% of his liver was removed at the same time. We were told that they biopsies came back clear for the liver. This was a huge relief and Dads consultant talked about giving him precautionary chemotherapy. A mild dose of tablets just in case there were any rogue cells.
This started at the beginning of October but by mid October Dad was jaundice and was back in hospital.
They diagnosed a blocked bile duct, a stent was fitted and Dads colouring returned to normal within a few days. Sadly they told us that the mass causing a blockage could have been cancer and if it was it would be incurable and Dad would recieve palliative chemotherapy...
Whilst in hospital, Dad developed pancreatitis and was extremely poorly. Three weeks later he was sent home, and consultant was 80% sure the blockage was scar tissue and not cancer. Dad was told to enjoy Christmas, go on holiday and return to hospital on 30th December for a routine CT scan.
Through December Dad deteriorated and was treated by his GP for an infection. Three lots of antibiotics followed but he was going downhill. Losing weight, eating less, his voice was weak, his breathing more of an effort.
On 23rd January, Dad was told that he had bile duct cancer and that there was spotting on his liver. The consultant thought it could just be the bad infection that had now taken over his body and gave him more antibiotics. She was keen to sort the infection before chemotherapy could even be considered.
Five days later, we took Dad into hospital where he stil remains. The infection took a while to get under control and then Dad started being sick. He couldnt keep anything down. Even sips of water were brought straight back up.
We waited about 4 days for a CT scan. This happened Monday. Results were quick and confirmed that in the 6 weeks since his last scan, the cancer has grown significantly and he has many lesions across his liver.
Consultant says he is too weak for chemotherapy and he needs a stent fitted at the top of duodenum to help him keep food down.
Every day my Dad is deteriorating rapidly and, although he has eaten small amounts, he is just existing in the chair.
We have to help him in and out of bed and he doesnt even have the energy to lift the fork to his mouth.
Today the consultant talked at length about an DNR and hoping to get Dad home for and of life care.
My family are devastated and so angry about how quickly this has progressed. Until 23rd January, we still werent sure that Dad had cancer. Now three weeks later we face the future and worry that every day will be his last.
Can anybody relate to this or had similar experiences? We just need a little bit of hope....
