Mum diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in March. She hasn't eaten for 2 weeks, just had coffee. How long can she go on like this?

So my mum has had no food, only coffee for 2 weeks. 

She was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer 1st march this year.

It's all happening so fast!

She's painfully thin yet still mobile, I've no idea how 

However she is socially withdrawn and wobbly on her feet.

How long can she go on like this.

  • Hi Moominmomma,

    A very warm welcome to our forum.

    I am sorry to hear about your mum. If she hasn't eaten for a couple of weeks, she will be feeling weak and more unsteady on her legs. It must be so difficult for you, seeing such a deterioration in a small apace of time. You ask how long she can continue like this - that's the million dollar question, but unfortunately, there is no answer to this. Where time frames are given, they are best given by her care team, who have all of her medical details to hand. Even so, these will be based on the average person and we're not all average. Some live far longer that the prognosis they've been given, whilst others will go much sooner.

    It is normal for patients to stop eating, as the end approaches. You may also find that she will eventually stop drinking too. Try to have a word with her care team and see if they can give you any indication. Have you tried your mum with some of the build up foods available on prescription? You could ask her care team for advice about these at the same time.

    Please keep in touch and let us know how you get on. We are always here for you.

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx