• From: Oklahoma
  • Registered: Fri, 10 Apr 2009
  • Posts: 9

Topic: No appetite

Hi, My mom was diagnosed on March 21, 2009.  We came home from the hospital on March 25, she is 72 years old and also has congestive heart failure.  Her condition is inoperable and we are home with hospice care.  Today she seems to be spitting up, not able to keep much down, her abdomen is swollen as well as her legs and feet.  Her arms sometime jerk and shake.  Any advice on trying to get her to eat something , she did drink an ensure this evening and did spit some of it back up.  I just don't want her to get sick at her stomach with the pain medication.  Thank you for the web site, all information is helpful, mostly the support.  The diagnosis was a shock and it is very hard to face.

  • From: Minnesota
  • Registered: Sat, 21 Mar 2009
  • Posts: 270

Re: No appetite

I am so sorry to hear about your Mom. I used coconut milk, rice milk or almond milk instead of the ensure. I was told it was easier to digest than dairy products. We added some whey protein powder and fruits to taste, ie: strawberry, blueberry, banana. Put in blender with ice if I used fresh fruit - without if using frozen fruit. I would try different combos to see what she likes and tolerates. Maybe  a couple of bites of pudding would stay down. I hope this helps. Let me know if there is anything else I can do. Your Mom and your family will be in my prayers.
God Bless,
Jamie

  • Registered: Fri, 12 May 2006
  • Posts: 8,165

Re: No appetite

I would like to follow Jamie in welcoming you to this site.  I am so sorry to hear about your Mom's diagnoses.  You might want to ask Hospice as to whether they have dealt with this cancer before.  I have learned and we have seen on this board that vomiting can occur due to obstruction, motility or other reasons however, it is not uncommon for this disease especially, as it progresses.  Should it be due to the medication then, I believe, your Mom could be given medicine to ease her nausea.  I am hoping for Jamie's great suggestion to be of help to your Mom also.
Sending tons of good wishes your way,'
Marion

THIS INFORMATION IS NOT INTENDED NOR IMPLIED TO BE A SUBSTITUTE FOR PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL ADVICE. YOU SHOULD ALWAYS SEEK THE ADVICE OF YOUR PHYSICIAN OR OTHER QUALIFIED HEALTH CARE PROVIDER
  • From: NSW,Australia
  • Registered: Sat, 14 Feb 2009
  • Posts: 557

Re: No appetite

Hi there   If your mum is vomiting she wont really feel like eating so you need to get to the cause.If it is the pain medication it may not suit her or she may need an anti nausea medication or maybe its the timing of when they are given.Its important to prevent dehydration so keep the fluids going frequent small amounts,just a sip every now and then.Discuss it with your nurse                   kind regards    Janet

  • From: Wisconsin
  • Registered: Sun, 07 Sep 2008
  • Posts: 1,990

Re: No appetite

I too am so sorry for what you and your family are facing, but glad you have found this site. Everyone here is so loving, caring & supportive and are here to help.  Even if it is only to listen if you need to vent your feelings.  I will keep you and your family in my thoughts & prayers.

Darla

"One Day At A Time"
  • From: Oklahoma
  • Registered: Fri, 10 Apr 2009
  • Posts: 9

Re: No appetite

Thank You to all.  This morning she ate some yogurt !!!!  She is better this morning.

  • From: Northfield Illinois
  • Registered: Sun, 09 Nov 2008
  • Posts: 194

Re: No appetite

Hi Lwilson,
I want to welcome you to the site and express how sorry I am your mom is having to battle this awful disease.  My father is on Hospice as well with this cancer, we are not having so much luck with food intake either.  He pretty much wont eat anymore, but he is very, very thirstly due to all the morphine he is on, so we give him poplsicles and lemon ice. He gladly takes them b/c of  his continual thirst.  I'll also juice fresh apple, strawberries, blueberries, and water it down a bit and have him drink that.  Good luck! you have come to the right place for support, from honest, caring people.   
Peace be with you
Barbara

The  Lord is my shephard