My mother in law was diagnosed with AML at the beginning of October. She has always been active and bursting with energy. Over the last month or so she has been unable to eat due to feeling sick all the time. She has been given tablets to help with the sickness but still cannot stomach food. All she is managing to eat is half a banana for breakfast. Anything she tries to eat makes her feel so unwell and goes straight through her. She is having transfusions fortnightly. They usually give her 2 units of blood but this always makes her unwell for a few days after. We have asked if they can give her just one unit but have been given different answers from different professionals. She cannot climb the stairs at the moment as this makes her feel weak and like she will faint. It’s heartbreaking seeing her like this. When she was diagnosed, we were told that it is aggressive and she could have anything between a few months and a year. She is afraid that she is going to be on her own when she dies. Because of covid, we don’t really have any contact with anyone we can ask for help and advice. Is her being unable to eat a sign that things are progressing? She is also constantly thirsty and nothing quenches her thirst. This is very unusual for her as she has never drunk a lot in all the years I’ve known her. I know we can’t change her prognosis, but I would like to be able to help her or at least be prepared and know when things are progressing and what we can do. Thank you in advance
Hi ,
So sorry to hear about your mother-in-law and the problems she is having, I can see how those are very distressing both for her and for the people around her too.
It is very common for people to look for some sign but even experts in oncology working in hospices find it next to impossible to know exactly when someone will die. It might certainly be worth talking to her oncology team around nutrition as often something can be worked out.
Since my wife's cancer is very different I cannot directly relate to the issues around AML and of course with covid and everything else going on too live is extra difficult.
I wonder if it might help you to ring our helpline 0808 808 0000 it is open 7 days a week from 8am to 8pm and staff there will be able to offer you advice tailored to your needs.
<<hugs>>
Steve
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