My lovely FIL is on end of life care in hospital. He is only 66. Diagnosed with a stage 4 glioblastoma in November and given 12 weeks. Suffered a unrelated bowel perforation at Christmas and spent time on ICU. He never recovered really and has been bed bound for the last 3 months with MIL doing an incredible job looking after him at home. I’m a HCP and have been assisting with personal cares and other care needs, along with district nurses and palliative care.
Last week, his bowel perforation developed a fistula and essentially reopened. He’s not a candidate for further surgery. Since being in hospital his brain tumour has bled to the extent he is now unresponsive and treatment has been withdrawn.
It is beyond heartbreaking. He didn’t even get to retire as planned.
I am devastated for my DH, MIL, DSC and all the family. We’re taking it in turns to sit with him as we know it won’t be long, but he’s a tough cookie and will no doubt hang on as much as possible.
im trying my best to support anyone who needs it. I took DSC out Thursday and Friday to keep things as normal as possible for them in the school holidays.
Last week I was diagnosed with an over active thyroid (in additional to several other chronic conditions). I just want to go to bed and cry. Neither me nor DH have slept for over week, waiting for a phone call that could come at any time.
Life just isn’t fair.