Timescale

Hi all. My mum is in end stage secondary breast cancer. Its spread to the rest of her body including her bones. She has tumours in her oesophagus and as of friday night is no longer taking nutrition as her tube is too restricted. She has made the decision and we are now in the place of waiting and have no idea on timescale. How long can someone live once nutrition and all but a few sips of water have stopped? She is in hospital and now has a syringe driver to give anti nausea and pain relief. She is so tired and now resigned and seems calmer in herself. We just dont know with the cancer being so aggressive, how long a person can live with no nutrition x

  • I'm sorry your mum is no longer able to take any nutrition on J500.

    I know you're wanting to know how long your mum may have left now this decision has been made so I just wanted to give you our cancer nurses telephone number as they may be able to help with this. You can call them on 0808 800 4040, Monday - Friday between 9a.m - 5p.m. We have some general information about the last few weeks and days that you may find useful as well.

    If you haven't done so already do be sure to speak with your mum's medical team about this - if you have her permission you can speak to them without her being there if she doesn't want to know - as they will ultimately be in the best position to answer this question for you.

    My thoughts are with you and your mum at this very difficult time.

    Kind regards, 

    Steph, Cancer Chat Moderator