malnutrition. really need help on this one

So after a month of fighting to get mom to eat I've decided to contact her doctor about this tomorrow. Each week we've gone into the doc office, they weighted her, ran blood work and did vitals. Vitals have looked good and i assume blood work has looked good aswell cause they've did chemo as planned. Heres my situation. And please pardon the total melt down ramble. At wed appointment she was down to 85lbs. Shes so weak. 2 weeks ago she drank about a half a gallon of milk in 3 days cause I finally convinced her that its got good nutrition. Then last week she started lookin better. Sitting up more, having conversations with me like before. Even a couple days ago told me to make her some spaghetti and she ate it and asked for more. Then she started feeling sick again and stopped drinking as much milk. Now she's back to sleepin all day. I'm so terrified she's killing herself. I'm planning on calling her onc tomorrow because at this point i dont know when we've gone to far. When is enough enough? Should she be admitted into the hospital for nutrition? She has her cancer in the adrenal gland and thats it at this point so its not the cancer thats killing her, its the mal nutrition. i've taking everyones advice on here and she just wont try it. found out today she's been sticking her finger down her throat to force herself to throw up cause it makes her stomach feel better. should i insist on her doc admitting her? i dont know what to do.

By Katiams
Posted June 8, 2008 at 11:00 pm
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If I were you I would get her into the doctor tomorrow. Be very honest with them and let them give her something to help her. Also, I would try something like Gatorade to get something into her system. Good luck and I hope your mother feels better very soon.

Kathy

By kallygirlie
Posted June 9, 2008 at 12:39 am
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I've tried 3 different types of gatorade and powerade hoping to help replace some electrolytes being lost but its to sweet. Since she had her gallbladder removed, anything sweet turns her stomach. The doc gave her Magace several weeks ago but she took it for 2 days and said it made her wanna throw up cause of the taste and didnt make her hungry. i hate being the one doing this. i feel like calling her doc is gonnna give her yet another reason to hate me and at this point she basically acts like Im the last person she wants to see. it kills me.

By Roger1
Posted June 9, 2008 at 3:30 am
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Kallie,

Grrrrr. I know you've been battling this food thing for awhile. Me? I'd start seriously inquiring about having a feeding tube put in... I don't know a lot about it, but maybe the nutrients are less flavor-based, and easier to digest.

Roger

By Sylestiahelawe03
Posted June 9, 2008 at 10:57 pm
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First of all, this is to all the people that have been reading Kally's discussions she has posted. I just wanted to thank you all for giving her the support she really needs right now. I'm her best friend and I find myself speechless a lot of the time and not knowing what to do to help. But I just felt that I needed to thank you all because I know your support and advice does mean a lot to her.

As for you, Krys.. I love you girl and you know I'm here for you through out this whole thing. We'll figure it out. Like I've been saying too, I think the feeding tube is what she needs to get that energy to get off the couch and the energy she needs to fight. I know she's a strong woman and I know she can beat this! And I know for a fact that you're a very strong person too. I know this is really hard but I know you can get through this and be even stronger afterwards! I love you!

By simplyklb
Posted June 9, 2008 at 11:12 pm
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My dad goes to the onc's office twice a week for IV fluids. That is what has been keeping him going. You need to ask about IV fluids for your mom.

Kristi

By kallygirlie
Posted June 10, 2008 at 9:28 am
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I've been tryin for 2 days now to reach my moms doc. I keep getting told the doctor has your message and will return the call as soon as possible. How is mal nutrition, not eating no a priority of some sort. You can only go so long with no food and mom is extremely weak at this point. If her doc doesnt return my call today, should I just take her to the hospital or will they not know what to do?

By Jolene
Posted June 10, 2008 at 10:31 am
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TWO DAYS? That is ridiculous. Take your mother to her primary physician and request that she be admitted for
hydration of fluids and IV nutrition. DO NOT WAIT.
She is anorexic at 85#. There are meds which can help with the nausea and the desire to make herself vomit.
There are psychological issues that accompany cancer and they are not being addressed.

I am concerned that if this is not addressed today, your mother will not be here much longer. IF the cancer is much worse, then, you need to be able to address those issues accordingly.

After your mother has been appropriately cared for in the hospital, I would not hesitate to tell her oncologist, without being afraid, that you are well aware of the standards for appropriate medical care and that by his not returning your call for two days was neglect; regardless if he may or may not feel it is terminal. I am outraged. Don't let him tower over you either. This is his job and he may get defensive, but, don't put up with it. Good Luck...from a daughter who has been there and done that! Jolene

By peyz33
Posted June 10, 2008 at 12:32 pm
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Kally - I am SO SO sorry you and your mom are going thru this - It is such an emotional roller coaster - my sister is/was my caregiver when I couldn't take care of myself and thank GOD she is a strong woman - and you seem to be as well- YOU MUST GET MOM TO A HOSPITAL - they will know what to do - I'm praying for you both!
Karen

By simplyklb
Posted June 10, 2008 at 1:05 pm
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Kally,
That is UNACCEPTABLE! If you can, I suggest you take your mom to the emergency room today.

I had to call the answering service for my dad this past weekend. On their recording, it says that if you don't get a call back within 30 mins. to call back and let the operator know it is your second call. I got a call back from the on-call onc within 20 to 25 mins. During business hours, it is within a couple of hours. They are very explicit on the voicemail that if it is life-threatening to call 911.

Kristi

By pattyp1
Posted June 10, 2008 at 10:53 pm
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I feel your pain.
Get the doctors to explain cachexia to you - if the symptoms fit, they need to treat her appropriately. The drug Megace might be helpful also.

She needs rescued. Do whatever it takes to get their attention!!!
sending hugs
Pat

By Roger1
Posted June 11, 2008 at 11:52 am
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K,

I am hating what is happening. It so unfair. Changing docs will require a little work on your part, but the life of your mom may be in the balance. As it see it:

• She needs immediate nutrition, feeding tube and IV
• She needs an evaluation by a different doc. Possibly take her to an ER outside of your doc's district.
• She may be better off in a hospice

Here's a link from about.com on how to change docs:

http://patients.about.com/od/therightdoctorforyou/a/howchgdoctors.htm

Best,
Roger

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