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Maxx421 Asked December 2020

Is this the end of life stage? And how much longer can it last?

My dad went to sleep Wednesday night and has barely woken since, at first he would wake in small bouts and be extremely agitated and hallucinating but now he's only waking to pee.. and he can't even talk now, it's all babbling or grunts. It's now the fourth day without food or water and I'm not even able to wake him for his medication cause when he does wake he just stares blankly forward and doesn't move his eyes or look around, even if he's uncomfortable or trying to talk.. I'm only 19 and it's just breaking my heart to see him like this.. and I just really need to know how much longer this could last, he can't possibly keep going on no food and water he's already so rail thin, thank you so much in advance for any answers you guys can give me.

funkygrandma59 Dec 2020
I just read where you were having a hard time reaching his hospice nurse. Hospice agencies are supposed to be available 24/7, and if his isn't, you might need to switch hospice agencies, as your father deserves better.

I am sorry you are having to deal with this at such a young age. There's nothing easy about watching someone in the dying process. There are many different stages in that process, including confusion, agitation, extreme pain, and not eating or drinking. Hospice can give your father some medications for his agitation, and pain, so make sure they do. Everyone's dying process is different. My husband went 41 days without eating, and about 25 days with no drink, when he was dying, which is not the norm, but that's just the way my husband was, a fighter to the end. Praying for God's strength and peace to be with you in the days ahead.

notgoodenough Dec 2020
You are very, very young to be dealing with this.
Do you have any sort of support? Where is your mom in all of this? Siblings, if any?
Is dad on hospice? If not, call them ASAP. They will help keep him comfortable. They can offer support, not only to dad, but to you as well.
While no one can definitively tell you exactly how long dad has, from what you're describing, it seems like dad is nearing the end of his Earthly journey. If you're alone, you need some support here, as well. I hope you reach out for some in-person help!

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AnnReid Dec 2020
First, 27 hugs to you for assuming a far too massive responsibility at your age, and having the guts to do it.

If you have ANY access to professional support, I’d get into that. Municipal Rescue Team? Maybe start with municipal police? Any other responsible family member?

The call you need to make is “breathing but unresponsive”. Police have some training in first aid then their training will lead them to contact other support.

Please post back when you get a handle on what’s going on.
Maxx421 Dec 2020
Well.. the issue is that he has cancer, a broken neck he didnt want to seek treatment for while he was lucid, and hes been dying slowly for a year and a half before breaking his neck and losing the last bit of weight he had left.. hes able to wake when needing to pee, or wanting up.. but hes just so zoned out and.. but he was getting more gone for the entire last month... so.. I cant figure out if this is just.. the end "active dying"
(He is also on hospice care currently I've just been having a hard time reaching his nurse)

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