If your friend's husband is refusing to eat, eventually he will have to be admitted to the hospital. My guess is if he isnt eating, he probably isnt drinking much (if anything) either. He MUST get enough calories and hydration or he will quickly become malnourished and dehydrated which will make him feel far worse than any treatment could.

Im sorry but its not possible to accurately explain about the bilirubin levels. Only the doc who has the entire report and knows the patients history, could accurately know what was going on. All I know about it is, its one thing that is an indicator of possible other issues. Having OC is hard enough, let alone anything else at the same time. Your friends husband is at the point where its really starting to get tough. Have her speak in depth with his doctor and make certain they know he isnt eating. Its only a matter of time before it will catch up with him. Poor guy!

Best wishes to all involved.

Christine
SCC 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 smile