asking for thoughts...

[Skye_McCarthy]

My stepfather was diagnosed last year with colon cancer. He went and had the tumor removed, as was recovering quickly.
A couple of weeks ago he started feeling very sick. He went to the doctor and it seems as though his cancer has returned...as well as a case of jaundice. His liver is not functioning properly (or not at all? it was hard to understand my mother over the phone). He went in for a procedure last week that was unsuccessful...and a few days ago they put a cathader (sp?) in his side and strapped a bag on his leg to keep the bile from clogging his intenstines (gross I know). I went to visit him yesterday and he looked awful. He's lost a lot of weight, is not eating, and is discolored. The doctors said that if he responds to treatment they will just keep doing that...but basically that if they stop, he won't make it. As a witch, I'm completely confused as to whether I should intervene...or whether to let him go peacefully. I've been too distracted from this and other personal problems to meditate or reflect on this at all. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks for your time.
-Skye

[Adrenaline Junkie]

Keep the faith.

Whatever form of divinity you believe in, pray to her/him and ask for healing to come quickly, and ask if it is his time to leave, then let him go with as little as pain as possible.

You could also do a healing spell, to take some pain away from him. Even if it is his time to go, he can atleast go w/o much pain and peacefully.

I can relate personally, because my Grandfather is really sick. he has lung cancer. he is going for kemo (typo?) but things seem to be staying the same. thank the Goddess things aren't getting worse. I'm internally debating what I should do. But time is not an ally in an issue like this.

I wish you and your step father the best of luck.

[Swanspirit]

what he wants????
You dont have to "frame it" in magical terms ...... and if he is accepting then you have his permission and co-operation. And what Daniel said is true as well ........ you can send what ever he is accepting ..... and if he isnt let it go where it would do the most good ...... and you can always alleviate pain and increase comfort ........
Love and Light from someone who has lost both parents .........
Swannie

[talamh]

Why not ask what he thinks and feels about the possibility of dying? Sometimes it is something that everyone ignores... because they are so uncomfortable with the idea of death.... and so those involved in the very real mortal process end up facing it alone.

You might find "The Pagan Book of Living and Dying" by Starhawk helpful. bb talamh