Constant nausea and vomiting

Hi I am really concerned about my sister she has peritoneal cancer which has returned after ,extensive surgery.  She is really suffering with nausea and sometimes vomiting,  there is no relief for her she is visited by district nurses and given injections she is also on a syringe driver. Is there anything else that can be done to help her? She cannot eat or l drink at the moment. Please help 

  • Hello and thanks for posting

    I'm sorry to read about your sister's situation. This must be a very difficult time for you both.

    There are a number of different anti sickness medications that may help nausea and vomiting and sometimes it’s trial and error to get the right combination that will work. We do have some tips on our website about managing nausea which you might find helpful 

    You ask if there is anything else can be done to help your sister. Unfortunately as nurses here we cannot give a medical opinion or recommend treatments as we aren't directly involved in her care.  Her specialist team are better placed to advise you on this as they are familiar with all her medical details.

    You explained that your sister has the district nurses coming in. I wonder if she is also being supported at home by a community palliative care team, often they are known as a Macmillan team. These specialist nurses and doctors are experts in controlling cancer symptoms. They can prescribe medications that may help with your sister's symptoms.  If she does not have a palliative care team involved in her care you could ask her GP to refer her. 

    I hope this reply helps a little. 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.

    Kind regards,

    Celene