During the last 3 weeks my father has gone from someone who could get around on his own and was not complaining about anything.
Today he is back in the hospital due to him having a hard time with his breathing. He is very confused at times (due to a very elevated level of calcium in his blood due to the bone cancer) and very agitated. At the hospital, he has had his own aide because he gets so confused and agitated.
My sister wanted to bring him home but today my mother says that she cannot do it. She has had her own issues (she is diabetic, HBP, and had a mini stroke last year). He started his radiation last week and I do not know when he will continue.
My sister (who has been handling all of the details since his official diagnosis - I took care of everything before this time) wants to talk to the hospice nurse at the hospital to see what our options are.
My question is - if the pain meds are working and the radiation is only for pain management, should he continue with the treatment? I have come to terms that realistically he probably would pass by years end since things have declined so fast during the last 3 weeks. I just want him to be pain free - even though it might mean that he is incoherent at times.
Hopefully within the next couple of days we will come to a decision. My mother wants all of us to make the decision. Personally, I do not have a problem with him going to hospice. I know deep down that I cannot provide him with the care he needs during this time.