Brother-in-law w/ Stage IV Colon Cancer - what to expect?

molls1980 · New User Joined: 12 Mar 2007 Posts: 2

My brother-in-law was diagnosed with Stage IV colon cancer 14 months ago. His cancer has metastasized to his peritoneal lining, and he is inoperable. Recently, his weight loss has rapidly increased and he is losing about 3 pounds each week (45 lbs in the last 3 months, 100 lbs total). He is depressed and lethargic, and he seems to be on the verge of anexoria, seeming to have little desire to eat. While there seems to be little change in his actual cancer symptoms, these other physical symptoms seem indicative of the worst. What should we expect? How long do we have?

Rels

sorry to hear your plight - this is problem affects everyone. I have met a few people who have lived for years after being told that there was nothing that could be done for them. It is important to keep him eatiing, fruit and vegetables at the top of the list - you can get nutrient rich premixes avaible at good pharmacies - see a dietician who can help. Exercise is very important, as a sufferer myself - the last thing I want to do is go out and walk and I am scared to some degree most of the time but now I am forcing myself to walk daily for as long as I can.

I'm sending you both positive thougths

Rels

molls1980 · New User Joined: 12 Mar 2007 Posts: 2

Thanks for your response. Have you found anything that gave you additional energy? He seems to want to nap most of the time. I think part of that is due to depression, but he also doesn't want to go on an anti-depressant. Have you found anything that motivated you to continue to exercise and eat right?

Rels

Hi

I wish I had an answer - self help groups and talking to people who are going through a similar thing can help - voluntary work also has shown to work wonders for the spirit. Some people swear by juicing fresh fruit and vegetables and tea from a chinese herbalist. Meditation and self hypnosis tapes can help. If you believe in the power of prayer then pray to St Peregrine patron saints for cancer sufferers. I've heard that those people that do best, commpletely accept their situation and try to do the things that give them pleasure - painting, gardening, writing etc.

wishing you and your brother the best
rels

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