My husband received TPN through his Mediport and now through his PICC line. So far he has been on it for 8 weeks. It only provides 1600 calories but it does keep him hydrated. He lost 45 pounds before starting TPN, but his weight has now stabilized. He cannot take anything by mouth yet.

Since he hasn't improved otherwise, we inquired about a PEG tube so he could get more calories. The oncologist will speak to the GI dr. on Monday, but expects they will insert the PEG abdominally instead of through his mouth. He has the same issues with trismus, etc.

Perhaps you can inquire about abdominal insertion or at a minimum request the TPN. I hook up his TPN pump once daily and home health visits once weekly for labs and needle or dressing changes. It did have to be pre-authorized by insurance and is recertified every 30 days.