Thank you for your support, Gary. My sister has today asked for an appointment with the palliative doctor in order to try some different medication for the dry mouth etc. and also to talk about the other symptoms that are making her so down. Although not eating, she is taking in some milk & yoghurts - so at least that's a few calories she's getting. I was reassured to read that her sense of taste might return round about now - I'm sure that would make a big difference to her. She is very independent and refuses to go in to a hospice, even for a couple of days to get her diet & side effects sorted out. She is afraid that if she goes in, she won't come out again. So she's soldiering on at home - and I do try to be cheerful and positive when I see her. Hoping that the doc will be able to help a bit on Thursday. Thank you again for your words of wisdom!