• Registered: Tue, 04 Dec 2007
  • Posts: 3

Topic: cachexia

Hi,

My sister is in the advanced stage. We want to keep her alive till January when she can be part of her new trial. The problem is we think cachexia has already started and she is extremely weak. We know there are various treatment for cachexia. Does nyone know of one that is more effective for cholangiocarcinoma? We are desperate and need your help. Many thanks!

Jo

  • Registered: Wed, 06 Sep 2006
  • Posts: 47

Re: cachexia

Jo,

I don't knowof anything specific for cc.  However, for my dad, we give him glucerna (like ensure but with much less sugar), a protein bar, and last week at the hospital, we just found out about carnation instant breakfast juice drink.  It works when the need for clear liquid diet arises, and it's easier to go down than the ensure.  I hope this helps a little bit.

If I may ask, what new trial is your sister waiting to be on?

Richard

3 Reply by JeffG (edited by JeffG Tue, 04 Dec 2007 15:04:16)

  • JeffG
  • Moderator
  • Offline
  • From: Kansas
  • Registered: Mon, 16 Oct 2006
  • Posts: 1,242

Re: cachexia

Bluesea.... Here is a web site of different cachexia treatments.  Also provides foods and supplements to avoid and some to use.  Always run treatments by your doctor before starting is my suggestion.  Sorry this is all I can provide as not experienced first hand .
www.cancertutor.com/cancer/hydrazine.html

God Bless,
Jeff G.

Take it to the Limit,One More Time! (Eagles)
  • Registered: Tue, 04 Dec 2007
  • Posts: 3

Re: cachexia

Hi,

Thanks for your suggestion.

My sister is eating - not a lot but she is managing ok. However, she continues to lose weight and is extremely weak. We need her to be strong to consider other options. We have done our research and found that the following have been cliinically tested to be beneficial for cachetic patients. However, we have no time to try them all and need to pick one that is most effective. They are:

Megestol-Acetate

Fish Oil (EPA) (natural)

hydrazine sulfate

atractylenolide I (ATR) (natural)

Celebrex

  • From: Kalmar, Sweden
  • Registered: Sun, 20 May 2007
  • Posts: 1,951

Re: cachexia

Sorry I have no experience. But just wanted you to know that I will keep you and your sister in my thoughts. I just got off the phone with mine, and I can say the love we have for each other is one of the reasons I want to fight so hard and I am sure your sister feels the same way.

Kris

Cancer is a word, not a sentence.

36 year old patient with buckets of hope
  • Registered: Sat, 19 May 2007
  • Posts: 142

Re: cachexia

Hi Jo-my husband Dave was chachexic during chemo and he used a product called Prosure.   It is like ensure but with a lot of omega 3's and other highly regarded ingredients.   The only place we could find it was on-line at amazon.com.   He bought it by the case which was cheaper and he gained 5 lbs the first week.  Hope it will help your sister.   Patrice

  • Registered: Tue, 04 Dec 2007
  • Posts: 3

Re: cachexia

Dear Patrice,

Thanks for the tip. I will get online right away. Thanks Jeff too for the link to the site.  Thanks also to Kris for your comforting words.

We just found out that she has a large krukenberg metastasis at her ovary which is the tumour that is giving her very bag prognosis. Stenting has become harder and infection more frequent.

I just want to thank this community for offering all their joint experience and insight to fight this monster. I haven't read every single entry but what I have read is certainly helpful.

Many thanks,

Jo