Phil here,
We’ve been given clarification regarding Dad’s prospects. In the face of physical deterioration rather than progress over the last few weeks, the Doctors at Caritas Christi, the palliative care facility where Dad has been since early December, have confirmed that they now regard Dad as an “end of life” situation and that he will not be leaving the facility.
As the primary issue is now the fibrosis in his lungs rather than the cancer, we have been advised that he is likely to retain good mental capacity up until the last day or two.
According to the Doctors he may last up to a couple of months but may only last a week or two at the worst with “a few weeks” being the most likely estimated outcome.
Dad is, in some ways, relieved to have received a clear indication of what is going to occur and, while dealing with obvious sadness, is, I think, finding this outcome preferable to the possibility of years with no quality of life. He is also understandably anxious to get as many loose ends wound up and that is our immediate focus.
In light of his lack of strength and the likelihood of some urgent meetings regarding finalising his affairs, it is VITAL that those that wish to visit make phone contact with him prior to visiting (and should not take any rebuttal personally). Visits should be kept to no more than 20 minutes maximum for the same reasons.
