“Good morning, I’m the specialist here. What’s your name? This is your daughter. How old is she?”

“She’s eight.”

“You’ve all had a rough night.”

“Yeah, every time they turn him he has bad pain.”

“There’s been a lot of changes over a short time.”

“Things have been happening too fast over the last weeks.”

“We need to make some changes to make him more comfortable. It would be better for him to have a catheter, then he won’t get wet and we won’t need to change his pads so often.”

“Okay, let’s do it. His breathing has changed, is it a sign that things are getting worse?”

“Yes, everything is getting worse. His body is so unwell that it can’t control his breathing anymore. His breathing gets quicker, then it slows down, and then there are gaps. As he becomes more unwell the gaps become longer and longer. His hands and feet will start to feel cold as his circulation worsens.”

“How much time do you think is left? Should I call the rest of the family in? They visited last night.”

“It might just be hours to short days left, but he could have much less time if the changes continue happening faster. He could go at any time. It’s a good idea to call the rest of the family in.”

“We’re going to change the medications to control the pain better. Since I’m already gowned up I’ll put in the catheter now. I’ll ask my team to bring the equipment in.”

“Okay, I’m going to step out to make some phone calls.”

“Hey man, I’m going to pop in a catheter to catch your urine, it’ll keep you nice and dry. Then we won’t have to change you as much which won’t be as painful. We’ll keep a close eye on your wife and daughter. Your daughter painted something nice for you, looks like a fairy with a magic wand with a star on it, in purple. The words say I love you Dad.”

“I’m just going to check the pulse on your neck. Hmm, I can’t find it. I’m going to listen to your heart and lungs now. I need to shine a light in your eye. Same on the other side.”

“What’s happened?”

“I’m very sorry for your loss.”

“Mummy, why isn’t Daddy breathing?”

“I’m sorry your Dad has died. He was trying his best to hold on for you, but the illness has been too much for him to handle. Now he doesn’t have any pain and he is heading up to heaven. He’ll still be keeping an eye on you and will be able to hear what you say to him.”

Tears were sniffed back around the room.