My mother was diagnosed with rectal cancer exactly 1 year ago. She got brachytherapy (an experimental dose) which succeeded and now she is in remission. She also took chemo (pill form). No side effects other than rectal bleeding and loss of blood/transfusions and back pain. Minimal for someone who take chemo and radiation.
Anyway, my question is, she is losing a lot of weight and I know that she is eating more than usual. I'm cooking for her (and I'm a helluva cook!!!!!) -- She eats really good food and even indulges in ice cream sometimes! So it baffles me that she is losing a lot without dieting. She has a huge appetite so we're concerned. I mean, we're gonna go to the doctor next week, but I just wanted to ask if anyone has experienced this. Is it common in older people? Mom's 77, but strong...not frail -- she 'has it together' -- but she has been through a lot this past year.
Any suggestions?
Please and thank you!
I'll find out after her doc's appointment. Thanks for the good ideas. I appreciate it!
My first two thoughts were about cachexia and/or diabetes. My cousin, who has advanced dementia has a very healthy appetite and eats meals and snacks, but she has still continued to lose weight. Her doctor wasn't concerned, but I did some research and learned about cachexia. A patient can eat a lot, but their body for some reason is not able to absorb the nutrients. Adding extra calories doesn't really help. Later, they may lose their appetite.
You might have her blood sugar tested, since people who have high blood sugars have big appetites, but they continue to lose weight. That happened to me just before I was diagnosed with Type I diabetes. They are also very thirsty, may have decline in vision and have frequent urination.
I'm on a Paleo diet, which is high protein, low carbs and lots of fresh veggies -- very balanced. I include fresh organic greens and veggies (all from the farm) eggs, fish, beef, chicken and organ meat as well for her iron levels. Nothing is "fast food" or unhealthy. So I'm trying to figure out what the source is.
She's been checked for diabetes, has had an MRI and exams to see if the cancer came back (it didn't thank God), but periodically, her blood levels go down because she is bleeding from the rectum or upper GI -- to which she has to get blood transfusions. So far, her levels are very high (good).
She is 4'10 and usually weighs 125 (give or take). She is now down to 108 I believe, within a 2 weeks span. Not sure whether or not to be alarmed.
Her "poor decision making" was more about her refusing to go through surgery (which would have removed the tumor entirely) but she would have to wear a colostomy bag. So she went through massive amounts of chemo and radiation ....and when THAT didn't work, she decided to do the experimental brachytherapy radiation which focuses on one spot with ultra high levels of radiation. Anyway, long story longer.......she seems to be doing great, but the weight loss has me thinking something else is up. I mean, I know she's up there in age, but I just want her to have quality of life and fear the next 'big thing' to fix.
Thanks for all your help! I will mention the thyroid and also, the COPD. She has COPD from smoking (she quit thankfully). Didn't know that. Thank you for your advice. I will mention this.
A few guesses, and that's just what these are..
1. There may be some type of malabsorption taking place - she might not be absorbing the nutrients in the food. I don't know whether that's a side effect of the type of cancer she has, or poor medical decisions in the past. It's just a guess if she's eating a lot but losing weight.
And that can happen in terminal states, but from your post, that doesn't seem to be the situation.
2. Despite being a good cook, are you fixing healthful meals for her, including nutritionally balanced meals? While ice cream is delicious (I love it but don't eat it), it's not a healthy food, unless you make it yourself and eliminate all the chemicals and the high sugar and fat contents.
3. How recently has she been tested for iron levels? She mentioned loss of blood as a side effect.
4. How much is "a lot of weight", and over what period?