Medicine Driver - End of Life?

[RoloDuke]

Hello.  Like so many I am on a horrible journey with my husband who was diagnosed PC IV on 15th December 2020.  He was given a year, but he is still battling despite no more chemo on offer. In the last 2 weeks his health has declined significantly and he had a Medicine Driver fitted to help with the pain and sickness which we just couldn't get under control.  However, I have now read that this is 'end of life' and he may not have very long.  No one has said anything about 'time', but should I ask that question?  Thank you so much x

[LisaC]

My fiancé only survived a few days after being put on the driver, he deteriorated very quickly and was not able to have chemotherapy and the cancer caused other issues which made him sicker. 
 

it’s very difficult to say how long, but he was asleep a lot and not eating and drinking, but he had been the day before. 

[Borobi]

I think often professionals are reluctant to say when it’s ‘end of life’. My husband had a syringe driver fitted when he came home from hospital. I’d asked the Ward Manager if he was end of life and she told me they hadn’t been advised that he was. But just looking at him I thought he wouldn’t last long. Yet they were talking about arranging physio & putting rails in the bathroom & stuff like that, so I thought maybe I was wrong. He died 4 days after coming home. 
 

Sometimes people just decide when they’ve had enough. 
 

Take care and try and don’t forget to look after yourself. 

[RoloDuke]

On 2/27/2022 at 3:57 PM, LisaC said:

My fiancé only survived a few days after being put on the driver, he deteriorated very quickly and was not able to have chemotherapy and the cancer caused other issues which made him sicker. 
 

it’s very difficult to say how long, but he was asleep a lot and not eating and drinking, but he had been the day before. 

 

On 2/27/2022 at 3:57 PM, LisaC said:

My fiancé only survived a few days after being put on the driver, he deteriorated very quickly and was not able to have chemotherapy and the cancer caused other issues which made him sicker. 
 

it’s very difficult to say how long, but he was asleep a lot and not eating and drinking, but he had been the day before. 

Im so so sorry LisaC for your loss.  My husband has deteriorated and food is becoming difficult.  He sleeps alot but he refuses to be 'beaten' and still gets up out of bed.  Wishing you peace and comfort x

[RoloDuke]

On 3/1/2022 at 11:02 PM, Borobi said:

I think often professionals are reluctant to say when it’s ‘end of life’. My husband had a syringe driver fitted when he came home from hospital. I’d asked the Ward Manager if he was end of life and she told me they hadn’t been advised that he was. But just looking at him I thought he wouldn’t last long. Yet they were talking about arranging physio & putting rails in the bathroom & stuff like that, so I thought maybe I was wrong. He died 4 days after coming home. 
 

Sometimes people just decide when they’ve had enough. 
 

Take care and try and don’t forget to look after yourself. 

Thank you Borobi and Im so sorry for your loss.  My husband seems to be a true fighter and wont give in despite not being able to eat much now, sleeping most of the day, but hes not in pain so that is a good thing.  Wishing you peace and strength x

[Carol Jane]

Wishing you well in these difficult times. My husband, 59, is recently diagnosed with PC IV and I am finding it useful to get as much information as possible to prepare for our journey ahead. 

 

My Mum died peacefully at home 2 years ago with throat cancer. The GP recommended a book- 'Dear Life' by Dr Rachel Clarke. I did fid it very helpful in how it described the process of dealing with cancer and the stages of dying. It felt better, for me, to know what to expect.