I thought I would post a conclusion on this thread in case anyone searches for ascites on the site.

It would seem from my conversations with members of the medical team that once a patient has ascites as a complication of cancer there's nothing one can do in terms of diet or lifestyle to slow the build-up of fluid down.  I think it might be different if the ascites has another cause (e.g. liver disease).  So although my husband has now been discharged the ascites can only build up again; I think about 17 ltres was draned in the course of 7 days, but he can't stay in hospital for ever.  If it gets bad again, we have to go to A&E and he would be admitted to have it drained again.  The other option will be to have a permanent drain fitted which he could open and close himself when necessary, but he didn't want that option just yet.

Be aware folks that we are outside the UK and I think this might be handled differently in the NHS.  Where we are, patient support groups are lacking so we don't have the option of speaking to a patient who is managing such a drain. Luckily for us the national cancer centre is very close to where we live and if we go to A & E my husband is seen by the oncologist on call.

Expat

Hi 

I’m sorry to hear about your husband. My Mum has developed signs of Ascites and has been referred to a specialist. I’m so scared as I’m trying to understand why? After your husband had the drainage done at hospital did the problem come back? The water drainage? 

What was the next step? If it reoccurred is your husband ok now? I’m sorry for the questions it’s just that there not much info on the net. We’ve been told the doctors don’t know what to do. 

Hi 

Anna K)

Do you still require information off this horrfic dieasse?   you are correct there isn't much information on the net about Ascites are metastatic Ascites,   

Sadly I'd a loved one very young whom passed away with gastric adenocarcinoma an Ascites despite having 19lvps the Ascites kept coming back every few days an was heavily stained,   he was young an fit  an to take such a illness was heartbreaking I nursed him for 9wks,   

The information I have in abundance now not  that it would off helped  my loved one sadly as his cancer was widespread rapidly by the time it was noticed,  however it did help me understand the information I did obtain each patient is different an gets Ascites for various rreasons the life span can be poor of the Ascites,   it's all down to each patients illness.

If you have any questions I'm happy to answer .

Hi 

Anna K)

Do you still require information off this horrfic dieasse?   you are correct there isn't much information on the net about Ascites are metastatic Ascites,   

Sadly I'd a loved one very young whom passed away with gastric adenocarcinoma an Ascites despite having 19lvps the Ascites kept coming back every few days an was heavily stained,   he was young an fit  an to take such a illness was heartbreaking I nursed him for 9wks,   

The information I have in abundance now not  that it would off helped  my loved one sadly as his cancer was widespread rapidly by the time it was noticed,  however it did help me understand the information I did obtain each patient is different an gets Ascites for various rreasons the life span can be poor of the Ascites,   it's all down to each patients illness.

If you have any questions I'm happy to answer .

So far our experience of Ascites has not been a positive journey. My mum in law diagnosed with cancer of an unknown primary, possible colorectal in origin. Diagnosed in November through exploratory surgery. At that time Ascites was present, drainined roughly 50cc.

began chemo in January, was re-scanned recently and cancer has spread to peritoneal cavity. Admitted to hospital 3 weeks ago. Had 5 litres of Ascites drainined 7 days ago, and drain is back in again. . We’ve been told it could be weeks, she looks gravely I’ll. I don’t believe she will last week at all. She isn’t eating/drinking. Has art line, and being tube fed now. She’s is a 57 year old, who appeared very well and healthy. 6 months from diagnosis and I don’t recognise her any more. Utterly heartbroken 

I just read your post and am so sorry. I truly understand your heartbreak - we have a dear family member who is in this position right now - diagnosed with bowel cancer in summer last year and like your family member seemed so fit and healthy but now has Ascites and is in hospital. People are telling me Ascites signifies end of life and this is such a shock - is there any positive hope for someone in this situation?

Hi All,

My mum had primary breast cancer for 12 years before she developed secondary cancer in her brain, bones, liver and lungs. She developed Ascites whilst on a holiday with me and was admitted to hospital. They drained the fluid away and, despite what the doctors told us, she made a great recovery. This occurred about 2 years into her primary cancer diagnosis, so it's not all doom and gloom.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Hi Jolamine,

Glad to hear the positive news about your mum. 
My mum has been sent home with a negative prognosis where doctors have said there is nothing more they can do. 
she has secondary breast cancer in her liver and bone and now has ascites in her abdomen and legs. She has been home for a week but seems in good spirits and is eating.

DO you have any tips on diets, supplements or anything else which could assist and prolong her life? 
I have read that a low salt and low sugar diet helps.

I will try anything 

thank you 

Chloe 

Hi Chloe,

I am so sorry to hear that your mum has received a negative prognosis and the doctors have advised that there is nothing more that they can do. Have they given her any indication of how long she's got?

My mum was in the same position with spread to her liver, lungs, bone and brain. They drained her abdomen in hospital a few times and discharged her. I am not an expert on diet. We reduced her sugar and salt intake and had to accept that diet wasn't going to make that much difference to her prognosis. As she felt less and less like eating as time passed, we fed her anything that she felt like. It was a case of trying to provide something light but tasty in the end.

This is a particularly difficult time for everyone. Sadly there is nothing that you can do to prevent the inevitable - just be there for her. Ensure that you are there to see that she is as comfortable and happy as she can be. Let her know how loved she is and allay any fears she may have. Is there anything that she wants to do, anywhere she wants to go or any people that she would like to see? If so, try and arrange these for her. Spend as much time as you can with her and don't leave anything unsaid.

Please keep in touch. I am always here if you need further support.

Kindest regards,

Jolamine xx