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Someone's come for my dad.

(161 Posts)
rubylady Tue 22-Mar-16 03:16:16

My dad's in hospital, cancer now spread to lungs and spine, he has fractures on his spine, broken collerbone from a fall and urine and chest infection. I hadn't seen him since he wanted me to back off a bit but he has got in a state since even though he was being looked after by carers. He looks skin and bone, probably not even 6 stone now, he was a nice size all his life but his legs are like pins. It has been a shock because it has happened all at once.

I have had to try to get him a place in a nursing home for end of life care although it doesn't seem like he will be here long now although he is still eating small amounts of like custard and rice pudding. I have provisionally managed to get him a place, it's up to the ward staff now to sort out his discharge and finances.

I had gone to bed but it all keeps going round in my head and I started to get upset so I got back up.

My mum was on the same ward too last week. She was determined to go and see my dad (they divorced 14 years ago), even though he had vomiting and diarrhoea and was being barrier nursed, she still got to see him. Then when she was leaving for home, she kissed him and said goodbye. Very sad but someone lovely. They were married for over 40 years.

Some might know that he has dementia too, so one thing is that the dementia hasn't got that bad that he didn't recognise me or be too forgetful, if you know what I mean. Both terrible diseases. Poor guy couldn't win.

What are nursing homes like? Are they good on end of life care? Saying that, I used to work in one and that one was nice.

A lot of tears, work, mixed emotions, wondering what to do for the best telling people etc., organizing a funeral. Is it ok to inject a little humour into a funeral or should I keep it straight laced? He was always up for a laugh but I wouldn't like to be seen as disrespectful although he would get it.

Gosh, it sucks. No matter what age you are, you still want your parents to be shouting you in for tea and giving you a clip round the ear for being late. X

WilmaKnickersfit Fri 25-Mar-16 00:11:38

ruby I am so sorry to hear your news and how things are going with your brother and sister. The time until you can start making the arrangements is hard, but I hope you and your son can find some quiet time together over the holiday weekend. All you can do is take one day at a time and try to look after yourself so that you can get through the weeks to come. My heart goes out to you and your son. Gentle {{{HUGS}}} flowers

harrigran Fri 25-Mar-16 00:12:22

ruby sincere condolences on the loss of your father flowers

WilmaKnickersfit Fri 25-Mar-16 00:19:26

grannyactivist and gilly and anyone else going through difficult times flowers

suzied Fri 25-Mar-16 02:12:12

?? thinking of those of you going through such a distressing time. Sad to hear about the loss of your Dad, Ruby, he isn't suffering any longer, you did your best for him . ??

kittylester Fri 25-Mar-16 06:48:41

Your dad is at peace now ruby and I'm sure that you helped to make his passing easier. Enjoy your son's company and rest until you can make plans. flowers

gilly, I hope you have time off over Easter and can gather some strength for the coming sadness. brew

Ga, I was wondering how your mum is doing. I hope you feel better soon. flowers

My mum is still with us too and seems to enjoy keeping us on our toes!

Alima Fri 25-Mar-16 06:59:40

Ruby I am so sorry for your loss flowers

whitewave Fri 25-Mar-16 07:14:27

ruby may your Dad rest in peace.

annsixty Fri 25-Mar-16 07:24:17

So sorry to hear your news ruby your dad is at peace and you know you did your best for him.
Look after yourself now and don't let others get to you and upset you.

Lona Fri 25-Mar-16 07:45:58

rubyflowers Condolences on the death of your dad, and it's good that he had a peaceful ending.
Look after yourself now.

NanKate Fri 25-Mar-16 07:53:55

Ruby what a sad time for you my dear flowers

Families can be so hurtful at times. My sister who had a very bumpy relationship with my late mum is still making unnecessary comments about her 22 years later, so don't expect any improvement from your siblings.

Concentrate on yourself and be happy that you did your very best.

Greyduster Fri 25-Mar-16 08:07:04

Ruby I am so sorry for your loss but he had a peaceful end and you did your very best for him. ??

Grannyknot Fri 25-Mar-16 08:11:15

ruby and everyone else flowers.

My mother died 22 years ago on Good Friday (it was a different date, but I always remember it as being on Good Friday). I was only 45 and has so much to contend with at that time. You all seem to be doing such good jobs of looking after your parents at the end of their time. flowers

ruby the day before my mother died, my father decided he wanted to say goodbye. They had not spoken in 20 years or more. (he had left her with 3 small children after barely 5 years of marriage, he was always having affairs). All he did in the room that day was sob, and my mother consoled him. When he left, still sobbing, she said "Nothing has changed, he was always a weak man". When I remember that it makes me smile - there she was as weak as a kitten with hours left to live.

Your dad's nickname, what a smashing one for a welder.

Badenkate Fri 25-Mar-16 08:12:18

I am so sorry to hear about your dad ruby but he is at peace now and you can start remembering how he was in his prime flowers. Enjoy your Easter with your son knowing that you did all you could (hugs)

MiniMouse Fri 25-Mar-16 08:42:31

ruby So sorry to hear your news and especially about the behaviour of your relatives sad Just try to concentrate your thoughts on your Black Prince and you. What you had was special and they can't spoil that. flowers

mumofmadboys Fri 25-Mar-16 08:51:41

Take care Ruby and look after yourself. You have done the best you could for your Dad.

shysal Fri 25-Mar-16 09:29:13

Condolences, Ruby, and take care of yourself. Don't let the relatives make you ill, they are not worth it. flowers

POGS Fri 25-Mar-16 10:22:53

Ruby

I have been doing a bedside vigil since last Friday but somehow , Lord knows how, we are hoping we are in a better place today. Your post on Tuesday made me feel so sad but for some reason I could not comment or offer support , so sorry, how strange we are at times.

You sound as though you shared a very loving relationship with your dad and this will be such a difficult time for you . There is no brave face that can put on is there, your heart is breaking and the depth of love you had for him I think can be felt by us all. It must be comforting for you to know it was pain free and peaceful and that will help you in time too. The days ahead will throw some challenges in your direction no doubt so please accept a virtual hug from me . flowers

kittylester Fri 25-Mar-16 10:58:50

Send you a (((hug))) too POGS. Hope things have improved for you. flowers

jinglbellsfrocks Fri 25-Mar-16 11:01:03

rubylady sad flowers

thatbags Fri 25-Mar-16 11:20:27

rubylady, all my best wishes for the strength to organise your dad's funeral and to cope with the grief. I'm glad for his sake and yours that he died peacefully flowers

Synonymous Fri 25-Mar-16 11:35:44

Ruby so sorry for your loss but so glad that it was peaceful and pain free for your dad. flowers
Good to vent on here where it is safe to do it! Try not to say anything to family that you will later regret as you are clearly and most naturally in a very emotional state just now. You never know but your siblings may try to change and be more supportive hopefully. It is a big awakener when your parents die and suddenly you are the senior generation because so much changes and your own mortality become so much more apparent.
Try to have a relaxing weekend anyway. ((hugs))

Synonymous Fri 25-Mar-16 11:43:50

flowers for POGS and Annsixty and Grannyactivist and gilly as well as others also going through difficult times. cupcake and wine and ((hugs))
Wish we could all help in RL

glassortwo Fri 25-Mar-16 12:11:53

ruby so sorry for your loss flowers sad {{{hug}}}

ffinnochio Fri 25-Mar-16 12:57:22

ruby flowers.

CariGransnet (GNHQ) Fri 25-Mar-16 13:10:18

Our condolences to you ruby