So my Father was diagnosed in March of this year with cancer. The doctor found a mass in his left lung and did surgery to remove it. Wasn't big, wasn't small and IIRC, it was like 2 centimeter mass. Something like that. They ended up taking out a portion of his lung also which made it worse.
Hopes were high that this and a round of chemotherapy would work and it would just go away and stay away. A few weeks after chemo was done, he went back in for a scan and it was worse.
It spread to both lungs, he has emphasyma and looks frail. He'll be 80 in February but he looks quite a bit older now. I'm sure that was from the chemotherapy.
He decided last month that he's getting another round of chemo and even though he asked me what I thought, ultimately it's his decision. I honestly think he's trying to hold on until Christmas. I don't know if that's going to happen.
A bit after 11pm last night he called me and said he was having trouble breathing. Got up, sped like Hell to his house and took him to the hospital. After a few hours the doctor came out and said his lungs were filling with fluid. He said that if he didn't come to the hospital, there was a good chance that he wouldn't have made it. He's admitted now and is sleeping. I don't need to go home as there's nothing there anymore. The dog passed months ago so it's just me.
Those of you with family, friends or acquaintances that have cancer or any other disease have my sympathy right now. This isn't to illicit pity or anything else, just clearing out my head while I sit here in the hospital.

That is quite a heavy load to shoulder.

I am sorry.

Clearing your head is good, and healthy.

Will add a prayer for you and your Dad.

I’ll say a few prayers for you and your Dad…

Wishing you both comfort and time yet to make a few more good memories together.

Prayers for you and your father in this rough time.

Prayers sent…………

Prayers for you and your father.

I’m glad you were up and able to take his call. My prayers to you and him.

Prayers inbound for you and your father.

Getting the weight off your shoulders is always a good thing. I will be praying for your father.

Prayers and thoughts coming your way.
You are a very good son. God Bless you & your pops.

How can I help?

Sorry to hear about your Dad, and I'm glad you have the time to spend with him. From your description of his cancer, the main thing now is just to keep him comfortable.

Everyone's different of course, but I'm a retired nurse, and if I was dying, I'd rather it be at home than in a hospital. My parents both died at home under hospice care. And with me & most of the family present. Along with an assigned nurse, hospice can arrange for anything that's needed, from a hospital bed, home health aids, etc. Hospice only job is dealing with the dying, and in my experience, nobody knows how to comfort the dying, and their family members better.

I'm not trying to tell you what's best for you or your Dad, but it's just something to consider.

You may want to ask at the hospital for help understanding his options and what to expect going forward.
Also be sure he has all his legal paperwork in order. Some providers may not be able to discuss his health and aspects of his care without some documents, or allow you to be involved in his care if he were to become unable to communicate later.
I'd also recommend talking to Hospice care. Many healthcare people may be reluctant to bring it up if you don't ask or request that as some people react poorly if they were to suggest that option.

I'm so sorry to hear this. Prayers, strength, and peace to you and your Dad.

Very sorry to hear your experience. Tough stuff! Thoughts and prayers on their way.

Very sorry to hear J. Prayer sent for you both. As mentioned, you are a good son. Godspeed to your father. Hang in there.

Forgive me if I missed it, and it was already brought up once, but is hospice involved?

I’ve been through too many final moments with the aid of hospice, and in every instance they made me believe that God has angels walking on earth.

Aside for comfort for the patient, they do wonders at helping to explain the dying process and are shockingly accurate at predicting the amount of time remaining.

God Bess you, I pray for your comfort and that of your father’s.

Crying tears for you and your dad - and also for your pup. Wishing you strength in this most difficult time. God bless you and your dad.

Wishing you all the best during these times.