[quote=nellg]So what I get from reading is that once weight loss gets to a certain point and is catabolic, it's not about calories in anymore but takes on a life of its own. And this cachexic state might be because of a tumor, but not necessarily.

Chris has lost almost 15% of his pre-treatment body weight, and he did not have any extra weight to lose. He's lost a lot of muscle at this point. He's been on 100% tube feeding since pretty early on. He finished tx a few weeks ago.

I'm wondering when he might be expected to stop losing/start gaining, or is that all over the place depending on the person?

Nell [/quote]

I am curious if Chris is being treated at a major cancer center. There are a couple drugs that are used specifically to try and break the catabolic state of cachexia. The first defense is Megace ES (megestrol acetate). If the weight loss reaches 20% and intake isn't the problem, this is what is being used.

SCC Stage IV, BOT, T2N2bM0
Cisplatin/5FU x 3, 40 days radiation
Diagnosis 07/21/03 tx completed 10/08/03
Post Radiation Lower Motor Neuron Syndrome 3/08.
Cervical Spinal Stenosis 01/11
Cervical Myelitis 09/12
Thoracic Paraplegia 10/12
Dysautonomia 11/12
Hospice care 09/12-01/13.
COPD 01/14
Intermittent CHF 6/15
Feeding tube NPO 03/16
VFI 12/2016
ORN 12/2017
Cardiac Event 06/2018
Bilateral VFI 01/2021
Thoracotomy Bilobectomy 01/2022
Bilateral VFI 05/2022
Total Laryngectomy 01/2023