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My FIL has been complaining of not feeling 100% for about the past month or so... my BIL had been taking him to various doctors and he'd been trying different treatments to no avail. He was still working up until about early this month. In the past 12 days or so, he started to deteriorate fast. On Monday of this week, he saw a hepatologist that immediately identified his symptoms with having to do with the liver. They discussed cirrhosis and other things that it could potentially be, and they scheduled a follow up for the next day.
Yesterday, my husband received word (we live 350 miles away from them) that his father has advanced stage liver cancer. We haven't spoken to the doctor yet; my husband hopes to get the sign off so they can release medical details to him today, but from what we've understood the prognosis was pretty grim and it looks like the doctor didn't give much options in terms of treatment and simply suggested that out of town family come and see him. He is in the hospital now.
I just don't understand how he can deteriorate so quickly and how it wasn't caught earlier. He was working, driving around, travelling, etc. until just last month. We saw him in early December and he seemed fine.
I'm not sure what I'm asking really... just wanted to see if anyone has experienced this with loved ones and can provide any insight or better understanding. We're confused, worried, and scared. We will be travelling to see him, of course... but can we do anything or look into anything beyond that? What questions should we ask the doctors (we just got the diagnosis yesterday)?
I can't imagine how worried and overwhelming this is for you and your husband. I would encourage you first and foremost to check in with your father-in-law, and your mother-in-law, and offer whatever assistance or support they need through this. Then if FIL is comfortable with the idea, the family might want to request a meeting with the physician to answer any questions or concerns. You may also want to ask FIL it he would be interested in a second opinion.
Here is some information from the American Cancer Society for caregivers/family members of people with cancer: Caregivers
Sorry about your father in law, I can understand that It is really a tough time for you and your husband. but dont lose hope! Provide them as much support as you can because at this stage people really seek for the support of their loved ones. have a brief talk session with the doctor about your father in law's condition and the treatment options he has. hope he gets well soon
Thank you for the kind words. My FIL passed last week. He was only 62. It was quite possibly the hardest thing I have ever gone through. Fortunately, my husband and I were able to get up and see him before he passed. We were the last people to speak to him. We, along with my BIL and MIL, were at his bedside when he stopped breathing.
Thank you for the kind words. My FIL passed last week. He was only 62. It was quite possibly the hardest thing I have ever gone through. Fortunately, my husband and I were able to get up and see him before he passed. We were the last people to speak to him. We, along with my BIL and MIL, were at his bedside when he stopped breathing.
I am sorry for your loss, prayers for your family, but know one thing, which I am sure you already realize, at least he didn't linger in pain for a year or so. I know that isn't always what you want to hear and it won't bring him back, but there is truth to it.
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