Is it the end

Hi there,

I've posted before asking this question but of course no one knows for sure.

My Dad was diagnosed with cancer of the esophageas with mets to the liver.  He's got many tumors on his liver, and I believe that's what the real problem is.  He may have cancer in other areas as he has a new pain on his left side, and a lump near his stomach.  He is in pain, nausia, and swollen stomach and feet all the time.  It's all he can do to get out of bed to go to the bathroom.  He's lost probably 50lbs since October when he was diagnosed.  He went through 8 rounds of chemo which did not work.  That ended 2 months ago when he started many alternative supplements and treatments.  He is no longer able to make it to the vitamin C infusion treatments that we have been taking him for (that seemed to help as his persistant fevers due to the liver have gone away since he started those).

I have hope still, even though he is in the worst condition of life right now.  I don't know how things could improve right now, it seems he's on deaths doorstep.  Has anyone ever seen thier loved ones improve after being in this weakest state of life, or is this the end?

My mom has small cell lung cancer metastacised to her liver and she has had her ups and downs, good days and bad days.  What has helped her get more energy in the past are these things: 

Steroids (always tend to give her energy and appetite)

Getting on the right nausea meds.  She has found relief from IV Phenergan when the nausea is overhwhelming, and of course they can do that in the oncologist office.  Other things that have helped include Compazine, Scopolamine patches (the ones you use for cruises), Sea Bands on the wrist, and Decadron. 

Taking enough pain meds.  My mom uses a long acting pain reliever (Morphine) and Dilaudid for breakthrough pain.  Once they found the right dosage of Morphine (one time every twelve hours), not as much Dilaudid was needed.  Dilaudid tended to make her confused and very tired. 

Finding different things to eat.  Laughing cow cheese on triscuit crackers was a good one.  Sliced Granny apples for the fresh sour taste.  Frozen TGI Fridays potato skins from the grocery with sour cream.  Salt and vinegar chips.  Popsicles.    I did find that if she ate well one day, the next day was usually one of her good days.  Prescribing Megase to increase appetite might help.  

Hope something in this info gives relief and more energy. 

Laura   

One more thing.  B complex vitamins have sometimes seemed to help my mom.  Wal-mart has a Vitamin liquid with lots of B 12, other B vitamins, and you drink it (just a big sip is one dose).  Not sure if it was the placebo effect or not, but it did seem to perk her up.  Might need to check with his dr about taking more supplements though.