 Administrator, Director of Patient Support Services Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 10,507 Likes: 7 | If she isnt able to eat or drink enough to sustain herself, she will need a feeding tube. This is something most patient detest! But its not a choice for some, like your sister. She MUST take in enough or she will feel horrible. When going thru radiation she would need a minimum of 2500 calories and 48 oz of water every single day. Her body is burning up calories like crazy and she will very soon become dehydrated and malnourished. This can cause hospitalization and possibly a delay in her surgery.
A nasal feeding tube can be inserted right there in the office and is a great temporary fix. For a longer term use, she would need whats called a PEG tube. This goes directly into her stomach.
Call the doc and let them know how badly she is doing with her intake. Something must be done right now! Do not take NO for an answer, insist on the doctor helping her immediately. You have to stand up and be her voice, speak up for her and get her the help she needs.
PS... Ask for pain meds too. Nobody should have to suffer on pain like what you described.
ChristineSCC 6/15/07 L chk & by L molar both Stag I, age44 2x cispltn-35 IMRT end 9/27/07 -65 lbs in 2 mo, no caregvr Clear PET 1/08 4/4/08 recur L chk Stag I surg 4/16/08 clr marg 215 HBO dives 3/09 teeth out, trismus 7/2/09 recur, Stg IV 8/24/09 trach, ND, mandiblctmy 3wks medicly inducd coma 2 mo xtended hospital stay, ICU & burn unit PICC line IV antibx 8 mo 10/4/10, 2/14/11 reconst surg OC 3x in 3 years very happy to be alive  | 
