Hoping to see what others have dealt with when loved ones are at the end of life. I understand this may be a hard subject. I’m just lost. Hospice is great but just looking for others experiences.
Grandpa has been home on hospice for almost a week as a result of pancreatic cancer. Just diagnosed last week so it was a surprise to us. We had no idea. He hasn’t been in any pain or anything until yesterday. Since Friday coming home he has taken a huge decline since we saw him in the hospital the day before. I know what to expect when he’s dying. I just didn’t know this would happen so fast.
Hes:
-not eating, only bites
- not drinking but will suck on the swabs I use to wet his mouth
- sleeping a lot.
His pain started yesterday morning around 9 and nurses came right away and showed us how to administer morphine. Very low dose. And it’s seeming to help him.
the biggest change happened last night. Around 11pm he started breathing loudly, almost like how he usually snores. But his eyes are wide open. We know he’s awake because he follows us with his eyes and so on.
Could this be a side effect of the morphine? Or is the a sign that the end is closer than we thought?
Id appreciate any thoughts. Just so lost and scared.
I am so sorry for your loss. Wishing you and your family peace and healing.
Hospice can provide guidance into what you are facing. They were a God send to me since I had never experienced this before.
My prayers are with you and your family.
These types of quick ends are good for the one dying so they don't suffer, but so hard for those left behind.
Tell him everything you want to say -- he can hear you.
Thank you all.
I just read that Morphine may help and so would oxygen. Ask the Nurse.
So sorry you are going thru this. I am one of the lucky ones, both my parents passed peacefully on Hospice.
Speak with the Hospice nurses. They will answer this and other questions. Also look for signs indicating death is near, such as cooling and mottling (discolorations) of the lower extremities. You can't really predict these things, but the inability to take in nutrition (and never force this as it can cause choking things into the lungs rather than the stomach) will usher the end sooner. The RNs will give you soothing drops for the eyes. They often stay open in these circumstances.
I am sorry for your coming loss and so relieved you have a good Hospice.
Don't hesitate to call hospice with any questions, anytime (If you haven't already done so); we found the nurses very responsive and they can answer your questions quickly . For example, they might determine if it is Cheynes-Stokes breathing. Hospice can also help with a chaplain if you desire, or connect you to a support group to help with the feelings of loss.
I wish your family peace with this process..
Call the Hospice nurse and ask, would be what would do if there is a change.
(((Hugs)))