Witnessing The End-Stage Of This Disease

My mother-in-law is at the end-stage of pancreatic cancer, and it is very difficult to watch. She was diagnosed in October 2001, had unsuccessful surgery in November (inoperable tumor), and began Gemzar chemo in January 2002. She discontinued chemo in late May, because her doctor said the Gemzar "had done about all it could do" in holding the cancer at bay. After 10 days of hospitalization in June with a fever and urinary tract infection, she came home for 2-3 weeks. She is now in a nursing home, comatose, with ever-increasing dosages of morphine by pump and by mouth. She has edema in her abdomen, legs, feet and hands, and fluid in her lungs. Hospice has been very supportive, but this has got to be one of the worse ways to die. I hope for breakthroughs in prevention, early detection and treatment in the future.
Melanie

My husband has liver cancer and is getting worse everyday. Hospice has been to our home about 5 times so far. It is very hard to watch what is happening to him. He is 40 years old and I make every move he does. We are trying to control pain. This is a very painful situtation for me.

My husband was diagnosed with malignant pleural mesothelioma -- asbestos cancer -- one year ago in May -- at that time he was given 2 weeks to 2 mos. to live -- after two months he underwent chemotherapy -- a new drug not yet approved by the FDA - Alimta -- he had about 6 mos of a good quality of life, but now about a year later he is fading away before my eyes -- the pain is horrible -- he can't eat -- he can't shave, take a shower and can't drive -- the drs seem to be spinning their wheels -- HELP

Actually, it sounds as though she is comfortable, that Hospice is doing all they can to make sure she if pain free and dying peacefully. No death is pleasant, and when someone you love is dying, it has to be unpleasant, no matter what. Pray for her death to be peaceful, as it sounds as though it will be and know she is so fortunate to have you by her side and to have loved her so much...God Bless you.

I know this must be very difficult for you right now. I hope my sister of sorts will soon find peace with God. God bless.