My dad was diagnosed with NASH three years ago, and one of the things NASH makes you more prone to is liver cancer. Back in April he was diagnosed with stage 2 liver cancer. He spent all Summer getting tested/prepped for a transplant and a couple weeks ago, developed complications with kidney involvement. Developed Hepatorenal Syndrome. My stepmother called me last Wednesday to tell me he was no longer a candidate for transplant and they were discharging him home with palliative care and hospice. He got discharged on Thanksgiving Day. I flew down to VA with my 12 year old son and 10 year old daughter to be with him, say our goodbyes, etc. Those four days were the worst, but also most special days. I am trying to be grateful that we had time to say goodbye. We put up a tree for him that the kids decorated, we told stories, we cried A LOT, he gave us each a special gift. Leaving was the hardest thing to do, but I wanted to remember him that way and also wanted my kids to remember him that way. We left Monday night and he fell into a deep sleep shortly after we left and passed away yesterday peacefully with his wife of 30 years by his side.
Losing a parent really sucks, at any age. I am most sad that my two kids will not have their amazing grandpa watch them grow up. I am 44 and this is my first experience with a very close loved one passing away. There is nothing to describe it.
Just needed to share with my virtual nursing station. I am at work as the funeral isn't until next week and a lot of the arrangements were already made before he passed away. I need to be around my sweet little K-2 kiddos to help get me through my day, so staying home under the covers was not an option for me.
