Can you help

My grandmother has been diagnosed with cancer of unknown primary. She has only started to feel unwell since 29th February and only received the diagnosis on Thursday. She had 4 litres of fluid in her abdomen that’s been drained, cancer has been found in the fat inside the abdomen. She has lost 3 stone in weight over 6 weeks. She is now eating less and less, a couple of mouthfuls before she stops eating and won’t eat any more. She is drinking possibly 1 ltr of water a day. She is sleepy and worn out and everyone is really worried. She is on morphine, paracetamol and anti sickness medication to control the symptoms before a treatment plan is sorted. I don’t know how to get her to eat more so she has energy. 

  • Hello SBC2024.  I am sorry to hear about your grandmother.  I just want to say that it is perfectly normal for a person with cancer to lose their appetite substantially. Please don't try to make your grandmother eat any more than she is able to.  I know that you are acting from a place of love and concern, but your grandmother is eating small amounts because that is all she is able to digest.  Speak to her doctor about your worries and he will be able to reassure you and your family better than anyone else can.  Good luck, x