Conversations happened late
I had the conversation with my parent.
In the end, I try to remain hopeful that he was able to get his wishes fulfilled - albeit, not in a most satisfying, dignified way that he deserved.
My Dad was diagnosed with stage three small cell lung cancer, with metastasis to the bone (spine) in mid May 2011 – he died August 6, 2011. His oncology team was not able to have a conversation about end of life beyond telling him that they could do no more, and were referring him to the palliative care program (which they did not describe in any detail, either).
I was the one that had to tell him after the appointment, and then, upon my Dad’s request – tell my Mum, and the rest of our family and friends. The remainder of the end of life conversations occurred at his bedside and in order to complete the paper work required to enroll and maintain him in various settings of the palliative care program. In the end, I try to remain hopeful that he was able to get his wishes fulfilled – albeit, not in a most satisfying, dignified way that he deserved.