Should I Go Home?
Hi, all! My question isn't about my own medical status, but my grandfather's (I call him Papa). I live far away now, but I'm worried that I need to go home before it's too late to say goodbye.
I learned two days ago that my Papa (75M) was diagnosed with lung cancer in July and elected to not treat it. It's been confirmed for me that it has spread, but Stage information was not provided.
He's very skinny (6'2" (has shrunk in old age, so likely inaccurate these days) and no more than 160lbs. He's always been exceptionally skinny. Last I knew, he takes blood thinners (stroke history), but I don't know other medications. He smoked my whole life, but hasn't smoked in at least 6 months.
He was moved to a nursing home a few days ago after being in the hospital for "a fall" (unlikely, but can't get more info). My mom visited, and his O2 levels wouldn't stay in the 90s, at rest. Couldn't stay awake. The nurse said it might be smart for family to visit "as a pick-me-up".
She's going back tomorrow to see if today was a fluke, but I'm looking for advice if I should go home. I don't want to lose him before I see him again. I was planning a trip in July, but I can't tell if all of this means we're not looking at months. Any advice would mean so much.
Posted Apr 2, 2026, 10:45 PM UTC