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Forum Newbie: refusing to eat

Jack87
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Hi All, 

I'm looking for any advice really.

My friend's mother has been diagnosed with terminal lung cancer and although my friend is coping very well under the circumstances she could really do with some advice.

My friend is becoming increasingly concerned with her mother's lack of food. Before I go any further i should mention her mother has always been stubborn :) . My friend has done her best to persuade her mother to eat more to keep her strength up but it doesnt seem to be working. Various friends and family have tried, the doctor and nurses have tried to persuade her but to no avail. 

I'm hoping someone has had similar experiences and can give us some advice or point us to someone who we can talk to. 

Many thanks, AJ

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    AJ,

     

    A number of medications used to control/treat cancer can have some very nasty side effects. Including a complete loss of appetite, nausea etc etc. Your friends mom could be having these, of maybe she is finding it diffcult to swallow. Or maybe she has just decided she does not want to deal with this.

    I would reach out to her medical team, counselling may be an option. It could be the outcome of any number of conditions or combinations there of.  It is a difficult position to be in, and I am not sure I can offer very much advise on the subject.

    Ultimately just be supportive for your friend and her mother.

  • Offline in reply to Afy

    Many thanks for getting back to me. As you say I can just be supportive and be there for my friend and her mother :)

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