Decision on Feeding tube-help please

MyDadStageIV · Regular Joined: 17 Nov 2005 Posts: 16

My experience with my Dad - We were advised that he possibly could go on a feeding tube, but mostly due to his inability to actually swallow from pain/sores in his mouth/throat from the Radiation and Chemo combination. My father never had to do a feeding tube, but the Oncologist's office was extremely proactive through it all. He was very ill from nausea and vomiting. He had to get a blood transfusion and the best thing that helped him through it was getting fluids on a regular basis. First of all, dehydration is actually one of the leading causes for Nausea. He was put on Phenergan, Compazine, and Zofran for the Nausea and vomiting and then also 2 to 3 times a week he received the IV fluids for dehydration. He had a nausea pill at least every 12 hours. Sometimes adding in a Phenergan since it could be combined with the others. And, he always received anti-nausea meds through his port before receiving the Chemo. The compazine was for delayed onset nausea/vomiting from Chemo and the Zofran was precautionary just to make sure to help with the nausea. These two meds must be done at different times (they cannot be mixed). The fluids really helped, too. My father said he would immediately feel a little better afterwards. Now, don't get me wrong my father lived on milkshakes, popcicles and mostly soup during his first few sessions of Chemo. But, on occassion he felt pretty good to try a little of something else. He loves to eat, so he has the motivation.

We are getting ready to start another new med with Chemo now and we are already trying to make sure he gets all the precautionary meds before hand. He even gets an anti-nausea med while getting his Chemo. If your father is not on a steady regimen of fluids and anti-nausea I would check with your doctor to see what can help him through it!

deba · Regular Joined: 28 Feb 2006 Posts: 28

Thought I would update on the feeding tube situation. After trying nearly every medication available for nausea, appetite and taste of food, Dad was still unable to eat. We were beginning to believe that it is a "mental block" about the taste of food now. Anyway, Dad chose to have a feeding tube inserted. The surgery itself went well, but Dad had some rare complications of extreme pain that landed him in the hospital for observation for 3 days. We have finally gotten him home and he has been receiving nutrition almost solely from the feeding tube for approximately 12 days. He feels and looks so much better now!!! Dad has lost almost 40 pounds since January 2 and he has gained 3 pounds back since being on the feeding tube. We have gradually increased his feedings to 2000 calories. If nothing else, it has allowed him to get strong enough to take more chemo - which is what HE wanted. He just keeps saying that it feels so good not to be hungry and unable to eat now! Would we do it again? Yes. It was not my decision as I did not encourage him to get the tube. But he has felt so much better since receiving adequate nutrition that it has been worth the trouble. On a side note - Dad is on Medicare and since he is "physically" able to chew food, they won't pay for his feeding materials!!! The oncologist has gone nuts over this and written them a letter of explanation. It remains to be seen if they will reconsider from his letter.

winnymac

Deb,

I am so glad to hear your dad is doing well now with the feeding tube. I know that you were very apprehensive about it and for good reason. Most doctors only choose that route as a last minute measure and then it really is only to prolong life. I think the idea of trying a feeding tube as an intervention to give a person strength back and get their bodies working as they should is something that really should be researched.

My dad did not end up with the tube but at one point we were sure wishing he would decide on one. Now however, after being taken off some of his meds but staying on the steroid, he is eating like crazy! He has gained strength back and and has started with occupational therapy. This for us is amazing since a month ago I was sure we were at the end. If he gets strong enough, he can come off hospice and go back to the doctor if he chooses and see if he wants or needs more treatment.

You and your family are definetly in my prayers - hang in there.
Linda

	Cancer Forums Forum Index -> Lung Cancer Forum	All times are GMT - 5 Hours Goto page Previous 1, 2
Page 2 of 2

A website for discussions about any type of cancer, including lung cancer, breast cancer, prostate cancer, laryngeal cancer, leukemia, lymphoma, multiple myeloma and others