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My beloved mom was recently diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer.
Of course, there were no early symptoms and what she thought was indigestion ended up being the worst diagnosis ever.
She is 75, and was otherwise in good health - only one hospitalization in her lifetime, no comorbidities.
Unfortunately, before she can even battle the cancer, she's been afflicted with cachexia (sp?). It has caused massive weight loss.
As her caregiver, I've been trying to get her to eat, but she has little desire to eat and there's no way I can get 1800 calories in her. It's been pretty overwhelming and she is just getting weaker. She's been hospitalized again for failure to thrive because despite my best efforts, she wasn't getting enough. Now the doctors are going to discharge her again and give me a week before a feeding tube.
Does anyone have anything to share (and tips for food intake) for this truly horrible condition that is slowly trying to starve her to death???
Stage 4 is about as advanced as it comes. Have you asked her what she wants? I cannot begin to understand the angst you are experiencing, but I worry she may not want this fight. This issue has been front and center on my mind since my (minor, compared to her) dx.
Well wishes in your journey. I hope both you and mom find peace.
Talk to your doctor about a PIC line for intravenous nutrition. I had to have one after my pancreas surgery. They took out the tail of my pancreas and my spleen. I lost 40 pounds . That was the only good thing.
Location: East of Seattle since 1992, 615' Elevation, Zone 8b - originally from SF Bay Area
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Unfortunately the lack of appetite is also a major side effect from chemo, when she starts that. When I started mine the advice from my sister, a nutritionist was to eat whatever I felt like that tasted good, forget about good nutrition and take multi vitamins. Water tasted like metal to me, and many usual foods made me nauseous. As a result I ate a lot of ice cream, burgers and fries, and bacon sandwiches. Have you tried the nutritional drinks like Boost and Ensure? I didn't like the taste of those but they may be worth trying.
If nothing tastes good enough to eat, then you will have to get medical help, such as CARas2020 suggested.
Sorry to hear about your Mom and I hope you get her some help real soon.
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