can anyone help re my dad's prognosis?

[charlieandlola]

My dad is 80 next birthday and has been in hospital for 2 weeks. he has jaundice, ascites, is sleeping a lot, but is alert when he is awake. He is a heavy drinker but has not been suffering too many withdrawls whilst in hospital. He had colon cancer 2 years ago and
is still frail from the surger/chemo.

the docs wont give a firm diagnosis but they are talking od cirhossis of the liver and/or end stageliver disease.
I realise that he has run his last marathon - my mother keeps thinking he will be home soon and will suddenly get better.
I have scared myself on wiki and google and cant seehow he will come home without a liver transplant( which is completely out of the question, both medically and morally)
just wondered if any medics on here would be able to tell me the likely prognosis( without thier crystal ball). If he is going to die I guess I need to start getting my mother used to the idea. They have been married 56 years. thanks

.

I am not a medic but know a bit about hepatology. End stage liver disease I'm afraid is just that. It is extremely unlikely he will 'get better'. He may come home if that is how you would like to plan for his death - a hard one I know.

It sounds like you will need to try and help your Mum understand this. The hospital staff will help you, just make sure you also look after yourself. Best of luck.

Charlie, I am so sorry to hear this about your Dad. I lost my Dad this year with tumours in his liver. I wanted to say that once Dad had been diagnosed with a tumour his health deteriorated very very quickly, he wasn't eating and his strength was diminished due to this and his tiredness. Please try to spend as much time as you can with him, tell him how much you love him etc. My Dad wasn't told he was dying, and neither were we - were were just told they might be able to give him chemo to shrink the tumours, but it was too late. Again, I am really sorry but as you said it is probably the wiser thing to help your Mum get used to the fact that he will not get better. Lots of love to you and your family xxx

thanks both for yourmessages. I have started talking to my mum about things. tis hard but at 80 he's had a good life.

I have no advice sorry, but I just wanted to say sorry to hear about your father and this difficult time for you all. Take care of yourself and good luck to you all.