My Dad is About to Die

My 87 year old dad has late stage liver disease and cancer. He is at home living out his last days with my sister taking care of him. I live in another state, but I am going there this week for the second time in a month. I'm so afraid of seeing my dad in worse condition than he was when I left two weeks ago! He has a nurse during the day and my sister sleeps in his room at night. He can't get out of bed or go to the bathroom without assistance. He has fluid taken out of his stomach twice a week. He has trouble sleeping and no appetite. He gets confusion and itching. He has lost a lot of weight. He was a heavy drinker for most of his life and apparently he knew he had cirroshis for some time...and still drank. I am so sad about losing him, but he is 87. I am already going through the stages of grief...I had anger and sadness so far. I'm afraid he will die while I'm there and I have read all these posts about what to expect. I'm afraid...truly afraid to see him suffer. He is not in pain right now. He is actually cheerful, singing and laughing. I don't really have a question, just need some support and to hear from someone experienced with death from liver disease.

Thank you, Penny. I am going to be there the day after tomorrow. I hope he hangs on until I see him again. He is losing his ability to swallow, which as I understand is pretty much one of the final symptoms.

I have read several different places about late state liver disease patients singing and laughing until the end. I wonder if this is linked to the confusion? He has been in incredibly good spirits. That's a blessing for sure.

Kim