Littlegirl Posted June 12, 2007 Share Posted June 12, 2007 My cousin went in to the hospital have her gallbladder removed while on vacation last January. They discovered cancer in the duct leading to the gallbladder. She has been in and out of the hospital ever since then (mostly in) and has not ever been well enough for them to treat the cancer. She's not been able to keep any food down for quite some time now and has been receiving nourishment via a feeding tube. Recently the doctors have decided that the feeding tube is only feeding the cancer and so it has been removed. How long can a person last without nourishment? Thanks, Karen Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Welthy Posted June 12, 2007 Share Posted June 12, 2007 Karen, I am very sorry to hear of your cousin's situation. My Mom had ovarian cancer many years ago. Radiation had fried her small intestine and it literally crumbled when they opened her up to see what was going on. They connected the few usable feet that were left and told her she couldn't obtain enough nourishment without a small intestine. They told us that without fluid it would be a matter of days and with IV fluid/feeding a matter of weeks. She lived one month, but did receive IV fluids/feeding. It is hard to say how each person will react, but thought I'd give you our experience. Take care and prayers for your dear cousin. Welthy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ry Posted June 12, 2007 Share Posted June 12, 2007 Karen- It depends on if she is getting any fluids at all (water by mouth), because it will happen faster if she becomes dehydrated. I believe I have usually heard 10-14 days. I think that was with the famous case in Florida where they removed the woman's feeding tube. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
missyk Posted June 13, 2007 Share Posted June 13, 2007 I'm so sorry to hear of your cousin's fight. How incredibly hard that must be for your family. I can tell you from experience that Mom was able to live for almost three months with almost no food...only liquids...but she originally had alot of body fat that her body used up in that time. However, if she's unable to take even liquids by mouth, the body dehydrates much faster and, in general, it's thought to be not much longer than a week. Sending hugs and prayers to you and yours... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Froggiegirl62 Posted June 13, 2007 Share Posted June 13, 2007 It takes about a week to die without any nourishment. In 1998 my grandmother had a massive stroke and lost her ability to swallow. Hospice was called in and explained that it takes about a week to die that way and that the person is beyond experiencing hunger or thirst. She was kept comfortable with Roxicet drops and died 6 days later. So sorry your family has to go through this. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Littlegirl Posted June 13, 2007 Author Share Posted June 13, 2007 Thanks for all your responses. To be honest I'm not sure how much liquids she is getting. I know her time here on earth is very limited. So sad to see someones life change overnight. She went on vacation in January and her life has not been the same since, and never will be. Thanks, Karen Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Littlegirl Posted June 14, 2007 Author Share Posted June 14, 2007 Just an update...she passed away last night. I did not expect her to go that quickly but I know it is for the best. Karen Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dscherer Posted June 14, 2007 Share Posted June 14, 2007 My deepest condolences to your family. My you all find strength and peace. Dana Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Welthy Posted June 14, 2007 Share Posted June 14, 2007 Karen, I'm so sorry to hear of your Mom's passing. My sincere condolences to you and your family. May God's peace be with you. Warm Regards, Welthy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Littlegirl Posted June 14, 2007 Author Share Posted June 14, 2007 Thanks for the thoughts. FYI...this was not my mom but my cousin. Mom is still going strong and in remission. Karen Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Welthy Posted June 14, 2007 Share Posted June 14, 2007 Karen, Sorry -- your cousin. I'm guilty of chemo-brain by association. Welthy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
missyk Posted June 14, 2007 Share Posted June 14, 2007 Karen, My deepest sympathies are extended to you and your family. I'm so sorry for the loss of your cousin. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MsC1210 Posted June 14, 2007 Share Posted June 14, 2007 Karen I am so sorry about your cousin. My condolences to you and your family. Christine Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Don M Posted June 14, 2007 Share Posted June 14, 2007 Karen: please accept my condolences for your loss. Don M Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lady Salt Posted June 15, 2007 Share Posted June 15, 2007 I am very sorry for your loss Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.