unable to hold down food or fluids

[daughter11]

My mom has ovarian cancer stage 3.  She has been receiving chemo non-stop for 2 yrs.  It has spread to abdomen.  She also has ascities, most fluid recently drained, but some still there.
Urgent problem is she is unable to hold down any food or fluid for past 7 days. Her doctors prescribed Zofran, which used to work, but now not working.  I fear she will die soon of malnutrition and dehydration.  I am in need of some advice on treatment approach.

[alanpvegas]

You are, unfortunatley, going to have to learn to take many things under your command...get her to your primary care provider and see if they can approve inserting a PICC in her arm or a port-a-cath in her chest...the port is a more long term option and helps with less needle draws and stuff.  The PCP can also get TPN started and such.  With TPN and the PICC/Port you are more than likely going to be eligible for home health care and have a home care nurse come by probablly once a week.  These nurses are able to contact your PCP and get additional things done as needed which helps if your mother is not that mobile.

An idea is to carry a notebook with you to the oncologist (or whomever) and when they dismiss your idea say "ok, so you are *not* going to do this for my mom...correct?  why?" and start writing it down right in front of them.  Oh yeah, that will get their attention.

[daughter11]

Thank you to all who responded. I was going crazy trying to get her Doctors to take this seriously and started to doubt my own common sense. Unfortunately, her doctor's are not looking at the whole person, they are just working on her Chemo. I did finally follow my common sense and I took her to the ER. I am now going to work on involving another Doctor to help me manage her treatment.

[alanpvegas]

Unless they can get her on TPN....now....go straight to the ER (like right now) as you can 'last' without food for a while, going without fluids is life threatening especially 7 days plus!   If she doesn't have one, a central line (PICC or Port) would be a good idea and they will probablly be giving her one (if they are smart or you should request it) as his may be a long term solution.  

[Kimchi]

You should do as Helen says and insist the doctor do something to keep her hydrated and fed...and FAST,.,,she needs her strength .

[Helmar]

Hello...That's not good that your Mum has not been able to keep food or fluids down for 7 days. She should be having fluids at least, otherwise she will become dehydrated. It's amazing that your Mum's Doctor hasn't suggested TPN (Intravenous feeding). At least she would be getting some nourishment. I think you should insist that her Doctor does something pronto, as she can't keep going without taking in at least, fluids. I hope something will be done for your Mum soon.
Best wishes...hugs...Helen...