Hospice - Lung Cancer

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The words no one ever wants to hear has landed on our family. Our mom has been diagnosed with lung cancer, already in the fourth stage. We have her home now after 5 days in the hospital and is currently doing quite well, but wondered if anyone has experienced such a situation and could share what might be expected ahead in coming weeks? Family is around her and her day to day tasks are still in routine, but there is more sleeping time and mild labored breathing when up. Hospice is a great help and we hope and pray God in His great mercy will take her before severe discomfort sets in…but then it is His will we pray to follow. Thank you all for your prayers in advance as we delve into this path of redemptive suffering!!
 
My father had a lung transplant, but due to side effects of a lung transplant found it prefered to end “excess medical treatment” (anti-rejection drugs). He was given 2-3 weeks to live and would most likely die of pneumonia (which happened).

Hospice kept us hopping. It was a full time job for me to and m father to arrange the schedule. There were groomers, nurses, doctors, psychologists (2: dad & me each got one), and ministers. Add to the mix of crazy schedules, we had an ongoing last birthday party for my dad. Friends stopped by to say their peace, share a drink, and bond. My father was compulsive about a few things and this intensified the closer he got to death. I had to call the bank three times a day to ease his mind. We redid the will. I basically had to memorize his benefits and he quizzed me. The closer to death the more energy he got until the last day. Even the last day he stubbornly pulled himself out of bed to eat breakfast at the table. We were not practicing Catholics (my dad liked to say he was protestant). He did a kinda confession to a minister from the hospital, got blessings from a baptist minister … Hit he often said he was scared of the shadows that looked like pirates … He was on lots of morphine, and drank liberally. Death certainly is not a nice thing to witness. There is a noticeable change in the body when the soul leaves the body. Peace be with you during this journey. Keep the family focused on God, and be patient with each other.
 
My mother also had cancer. The one thing that I might add is to not overloud her with "kindness’ or solicitations, but to continue on in a respectful manor and to honor the person’s grief. I remember my mother asking, “why me” or why didn’t someone “tell me smoking would kill me?” Remember that grief is not just a one way street, but an emotional upheaval for all the family and that includes the caregivers that try to make a person’s last days palliative and pain and stress free.

There are no easy answers, but to trust in the Lord and that He will be there for your parent in the end-as the end it is not really “the end,” but a new beginning. I will pray for you, your family and for all the caregivers. Peace and strength for all.
 
Praying for your Mother to have peace & comfort as she awaits God’s embrace.
 
mgn2010 said:
The words no one ever wants to hear has landed on our family. Our mom has been diagnosed with lung cancer, already in the fourth stage. We have her home now after 5 days in the hospital and is currently doing quite well, but wondered if anyone has experienced such a situation and could share what might be expected ahead in coming weeks? Family is around her and her day to day tasks are still in routine, but there is more sleeping time and mild labored breathing when up. Hospice is a great help and we hope and pray God in His great mercy will take her before severe discomfort sets in…but then it is His will we pray to follow. Thank you all for your prayers in advance as we delve into this path of redemptive suffering!!
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For my father, who passed away from COPD and lung cancer, there was some noticeable decline in memory and some OCD style behaviors towards the very end, but he was also very peaceful once he was assured we all understood his last wishes and would take care of mom. Any pain was well-managed by the medicine, just sometimes the disorientation was disconcerting - more for us probably than for him. Up until his last 2 to 3 days though, he was pretty much his normal self - just more sleeping and a lack of appetite. My prayers for your mom and your family.
 
Thank you all for your (name removed by moderator)ut and prayers. In our modern day we should be thankful for all the medication that can help along the way and hopefully relieve the different symptoms of discomfort. Yes, prayers go out for caregivers as well!
 
I am sorry to hear of your Mother’s diagnosis. My niece passed away two years ago with this disease.

Hospice is a Godsend. They can answer any questions you may have. I believe they have a book on the process of dying. I’ve been told it gives you good information on what to expect. A few days before my niece passed away, she was quite restless. Up and moving as much as she could. When we mentioned this to the nurse, she called it “Terminal Restlessness”. It was an indicator that the end was near. She passed away the next day. Hospice will not let her suffer. They’re goal is to keep her comfortable.

God Bless your Mother, you and your family.
 
Thank you Mummsie for your prayers. Praying that God will take her in comfort…as much as possible…but with God all things are possible! His will be done!
 
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