Hi Liz,

I think when he says he's full he really might be and what I'd do with Jack was going back to the total amount needed during the day. We just tried it again a little later. It's not possible to eat the same amount as he always did at this point, but he has to switch his thinking over to small amounts taken more frequently.

It's also about packing in as many calories as you can in those small amounts. Even if he's not listening to you about having a schedule, keep at that because it gives him control if he can decide when and how much to eat - as long as at the end of the day he's somewhere near his total amount.

You and Rob are a team here and it's not easy to be either a patient or a caregiver. You both are seeing this from different perspectives - and that's the point. He can't be left to just ignore the basic routine that will get him through these treatments and you can't decide for him. So we all struggle to find the right balance on when to push and when to back away. If there was an easy answer to that then none of us would be posting.

Be patient but realistic on how serious the side effects are from not getting enough water and food. Jack ended up in the hospital with an infection towards the end even with me hovering all over him. You can't prevent every bad thing from happening, but being creative in getting in enough attempts at eating and taking water during the day is one we at least have a good shot at.

Regards JoAnne