Coping with Terminal Lung Cancer: A Daughter's Journey and Care Tips - Oncology

My father passed away last Tuesday?

---

Dr.
Chen Si-Rong: Hello! Thank you for your suggestions.
My father underwent emergency surgery for a perforated intestine on the 27th of last month.
Although the surgery was successful, he later contracted a CMV virus, leading to a lung infection and severe pneumonia, which ultimately resulted in his passing.
The death certificate we received two days ago states that my father died from lung cancer, respiratory failure, and lung infection.
We are currently making arrangements for his funeral, hoping he can reach a peaceful afterlife.
Best wishes!
Reader Mandy: Your question: Hello, doctor! My 68-year-old father has been diagnosed with lung cancer for three years.
By the time it was discovered, he was already at the late stage of stage II.
He has undergone surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy, with no signs of recurrence.
For the past three years, he has also been seeing a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner and consuming cloud mushrooms to maintain his health.
Unfortunately, cancer cells have continued to invade other organs.
Two years ago, the cancer metastasized to his pelvis and femur, requiring him to undergo a hip replacement.
In October of last year, it was discovered that the cancer cells had continued to invade the site of the artificial joint, necessitating another replacement surgery on April 17 of this year to prevent him from being unable to walk.
He was discharged in early June and returned home to rest.
In mid-June, after returning home, my father began experiencing headaches and gradually became less alert, showing signs of forgetfulness and lethargy.
After returning to the hospital for examination, it was found that the cancer cells had metastasized to his brain.
The doctor advised against brain surgery, and after medication, his alertness returned, but he still feels weak and prefers to stay in bed.
Now, he needs to sleep for long periods each day and is undergoing radiation therapy at the hospital until this Friday (July 20).
However, he experiences shortness of breath after walking just a few steps; the distance from the bathroom to his room is only twenty steps, and he feels breathless even after lying down.
After consulting with the family doctor, it was suggested that his lung condition will continue to deteriorate, and he should try to walk more, but my father says he no longer has the strength to take another step.
I would like to ask the doctor how we can care for him in terms of diet and daily living.
I apologize for the inconvenience and sincerely seek your guidance.
Best wishes!
Response from Dr.
Chen Si-Rong, Oncology:
1.
Generally speaking, if there is brain metastasis, the average life expectancy is 4-6 months.
Please prepare yourself mentally, and for a more accurate time estimate, consult his attending physician.
2.
The process of disease deterioration will naturally lead to shortness of breath and difficulty walking.
The doctor’s advice is to encourage him to walk as much as possible, which psychologically conveys the message of not giving up.
3.
While everyone will eventually face death, how one confronts it can lead to a sense of peace and acceptance, even joy.
The waiting period can be very challenging.
4.
Family and friends should face death together with him.
5.
If he has religious beliefs, it would be beneficial to pray together or engage in spiritual practices.
6.
In terms of diet, as a Western medicine practitioner, I recommend he eat whatever he enjoys.
If he is losing weight, it indicates he is not eating enough.
High-protein supplements or drinks, such as Ensure or Abbott, should be included, with a daily caloric intake of at least 1800-2000 calories.
7.
He can take dietary supplements or even have a professional traditional Chinese medicine practitioner prepare tonics, but expensive options are not necessary.
If he has been taking something for a while without feeling any improvement in energy or strength, it may be best to discontinue it.
8.
Spend more time with him, even discussing death openly.
Engage in prayer or spiritual practices together, and encourage him to be active within his capabilities, even if it means just going for a drive to see the outside world.
9.
Focus on the name of a deity, visualizing sunlight enveloping your home completely, and bless him.

---

Mandy, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2007/08/11