This is actually a question from my sweet neighbour, although I’ve experienced loss due to cancer ( a long while ago) I don’t know how to answer her.
It’s been about six months since her husband (early 60s) was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Within a month it was clear his cancer was stage IV and inoperable - they decided although the path was palliative care, still went with FOLINFOX. After 10 rounds, he had lost so much weight and was having neuropathy issues, he decided to take a break. I believe they hoped his appetite would return.
One month later, he barely eats (200-400 calories a day) and his fluid intake is less than a litre a day. She’s tried all sorts of foods and suggestions and is a little frantic. The last CT scan showed no changes in any of the tumours.
I’ve encouraged her to talk to their medical team, but it seems neither can bring themselves to ask how long does he really have.
Anyone have a similar experience and situation and can share their thoughts on how long a stage IV, pancreatic cancer live being so physically depleted (he looks skeletal) and even now eating and hydrating so little?