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I spoke with my Dads oncologist today. His prognosis for cancer is less than 6 months. If the current formula for pain management isn't successful, he will refer us to Hospice.

The issue is, my Dad doesn't know his prognosis. I want to tell him so that he can do whatever he needs to-get stuff in order, make amends if need be, talk to people, etc BUT, my siblings do NOT want to tell him...or at least not now anyway.

They want to either wait until Hospice is called in or his symptoms get so bad,
it will be obvious to him that his days are limited.

Any info, advice or experience you have in this would be greatly appreciated.

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Unless your father has advanced dementia and unable to comprehend anything, it is right to know what lies ahead for him. Back in 1968, my grandfather was diagnosed with colon cancer and nobody told him. I've always thought it was a horrible, disrespectful thing to do. It is his life. He should have the opportunity to get his affairs in order. What if he has a "bucket list"? Would your siblings want to be treated this way?
My sister-in-law has stage 4 cancer. She has never been given a time frame but she knows she's terminal at least. She got her affairs in order. And if she ever has a day she felt good enough she would get to those things on her bucket list.
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Thank you. I know that's the right thing to do.
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Here's the thing - most people kind of know - and if no one will "tell" them, it means that it is too terrible to talk about. So they have to suffer in isolation in addition to everything else. This is hard, and with some exceptions, keeping secrets would make it even harder. Bless all of you at this difficult time!
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Dpeek68, yes, I would tell him and best wishes with that. Sending you hugs(((((hugs))))). This is a good place to come for emotional support. I hope you return throughout this hard time for you and your Dad and reach out if you need to vent. Blessings. ~Mishka
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Thank you all so much. I've been reading some here and I've already learned so much. What a blessing this site is.
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Your siblings may be afraid of their own coping skills. I agree with AlwaysMyDuty. Your Dad should be able to have discussions, express things to people you all may not know about. He may have insight, as stated, and he is protecting others from all the emotions! Having closure on one's own life is a given! God Bless You All:) xo
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