Elderly Mother with rectal cancer

My 86 yr old Mother was diagnosed with Rectal Cancer last year. We didn’t ask for a prognosis as she has dementia. We didn’t want to upset her in any way and her consultant felt the same way. 

She is in a wonderful care home now and is deeply unhappy. She has stopped eating meals and will just nibble or peck at food. I am guessing she is consuming around 500 calories per day. How long can he survive eating such small amounts. She is also very tired all the time. I suppose this will be a safe effect of the small dose morphine she takes twice daily?  Please advise if we should be conce ed at all or are we to prepare for the inevitable?

  • Hello Buckle and thank you for posting on the forum

    I am very sorry to hear about your mother's situation and appreciate this must be a concerning time for you all.

    There could be a number of things going on and without being involved in her direct care it is difficult for us to say what may be going on. I wonder if you can speak with one of the staff members at the care home to ask if they have any thoughts about this. They may have a nurse you could talk to or ask if your mother has been assessed recently by a community palliative care nurse or doctor who may be able to tell you more.

    When people have advanced cancer they often will become more tired and sleepy as time goes by and this is unlikely to be linked to the small amount of morphine she is on. In terms of your mother's appetite this may also be a symptom of her cancer or another sign that she may be becoming less well and starting to go down hill. We have more information about the end of life and what to expect here.

    I hope this helps but do speak with the care home when you can to find out more. Please get back to us if you need any more information or support.  You may find it helpful to talk things through with one of the nurses on our helpline.  The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.

    Best wishes,

    Naomi