my dad is 75 and was diagnosed with lung cancer Jan 09, he also has been suffering with alzheimers for at least 4 years. he has had bowel incontinence since January of this year and started urine incontinence in July. he has recently started having more trouble finding words and forming sentences.
this week he has made more changes, he forgets how to work his lighter (yep still smoking) and when I give him his meds I have to instruct him step by step (put these in your mouth, take a drink of this) and today he choked taking them and then again eating his lunch. his appetite is good. I will see the hospice nurse on tuesday but was wandering if the last stage goes faster and what experiences other care givers have with last stage.
I read these boards all the time and thank God for them as this job is the hardest thing I've had to do. god bless all of you
God bless you and give you peace as you go through this. Treasure each day as it comes. I know you will never be sorry later for the enjoyable memories you are building now.