Just to follow up this thread.
Last week my dad had the central line put in. Which was done with no problems. (It a tube for hemodialysis which goes into his neck vein and almost to his heart). The following week he had hemo 4 times. The 1st time about an 1 1/2 and each later time was 3 - 3 1/2 hours.
Last tuesday we met again with the doctor, who hadnt yet removed his pd. catheter to fight the infection. Once again there was subtle pressure to introduce the palliative team, but again we felt that he had gotten this far and he also wanted to continue trying and the doctors scheduled the removal and further dialysis. He even spoke to the doctor and thanked him for his time.
The following day (wed. June 11th)however he lost his speech and seemed to fall into a semi-conscious state, the nurse took us aside and told us he is dying. We all then decided to discontinue any further treatment
and move him into palliative care - they put him on an air bed which is more comfortable. Once in a while we could get his attention and ask if he heard us and he said he did. A nurse told us that people who come out of that state report hearing and understanding everything.
Later thursday evening when he became slightly more aware we were all around him and spoke and tried to comfort him. He often had his eyes closed and looked into the distance. At one point however he looked directly at me and gave me his hand, and he then shook my brothers hand. I see that it was his way of saying goodbye and thanking us for being his sons.

Earlier, in his semiconscious state he looked as if he was sobbing,
but my mom said later that evening as he was more relaxed that he was singing. She could even make out bits of the melody. It was 'Hes got the whole world in his hands'. Now my dad was not at all religious because his family never was, but he remained agnostic.

I dont know what the meaning of that was or what was going through his mind,