Cancer Research UK main site

Linitis Plastica - husband struggling to eat. Any advice?

darkviolet
Offline

My husband was diagnosed with this rare stomach cancer 3 months ago. It is heartbreaking to watch him lose weight, he is unable to eat and can only take supplements. He is so fed up with them and it is a struggle to take them, he doesn't like sweet food. The dieticians advice is to fortify food but very difficult if he can't eat, not liking cream or sweets and not tolerating solids. He just finished 4th course of chemotherapy FLOT, possibly this could also contribute to loss of appetite. Now waiting for possible total gastrectomy. Oncologist and surgeon unable to discuss prognosis until after surgery. It is so worrying as what little information there is about this cancer points to poor outcome.

I would welcome any advice or experiences to help him have more nourishment to get back some strength.

Thank you so much

 

  • Offline in reply to AdamTW

    My poor Dad has been diagnosed with stage 4 linitis plastica and can no longer eat. It took 3 endoscopy a colonoscopy and then exploratory surgery to get his diagnosis.

    He will not be receiving treatment due to advanced stage. He has had a peg feed for the last two weeks and we almost lost him 6 days ago due to an infection which took hold of him rapidly... Antibiotics swiftly commenced and he's still here. He is coping magnificently, but I am definitely not. 

    I don't show it when I'm with him but my heart is completely broken. We're not a very close family and he's my ally. I'm angry with siblings who haven't visited and have no contact with them as I'd say something I'd regret.

    I have no idea how much time we have left with him and dread the future days and weeks.  I feel for all of you and know the heartache.

    Try to be strong for your loved ones, but I know it's so hard. 

  • Offline in reply to AdamTW

    Hi Adam,

     

    I am so sorry to hear of your diagnosis. A very close family member has been diagnosed with LP on Saturday. They have told her surgery is not an option and only chemo (if she wants it) she has lost 2 stone over 4 months, hasnt had solid food for around 5 months now due to violent vomiting. Its taken us this long to get the diagnosis.. 

     

    Could you possibly let me know the name of the new drug? 

     

    God bless you all,

     

    Louisa xx

Speak to a nurse

Quick links

Follow us

Registered with Fundraising Regulator (logo)
Cancer Research UK is a registered charity in England and Wales (1089464), Scotland (SC041666), the Isle of Man (1103) and Jersey (247). A company limited by guarantee. Registered company in England and Wales (4325234) and the Isle of Man (5713F). Registered address: 2 Redman Place, London, E20 1JQ.