Not eating

FormerMember
FormerMember
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My husband has advanced kidney cancer. His affected kidney was removed in March 2019, At his check up appointment in October 2019 he was told he had mets in his liver and lungs. He started immunotherapy in November 2019 and had his second infusion in December 2019. Over Christmas his appetite declined and by New Year he had persistent diarrhoea and vomiting. He was hospitalised and after his release his oncologist advised stopping immunotherapy due to severe colitis a reaction . She also paused starting any new  treatment for 2/3 months. We do not see her again until 3 March. In the meantime his appetite has plummeted he is only having fortified drinks up to 3 a day and perhaps a bowl of milky cereal. I have read about Cancer Cachexia and wonder if this is the problem . When he has tried to eat more he vomits. I feel we are so alone and helpless. I am going to call the GP tomorrow but has anyone else experienced this issue . Thanks Liv 

  • FormerMember
    FormerMember

    I feel for you.  My husband is on Immunotherapy but the only side effect he has had is a skin problem.  Please keep us updated.  I hope you get some support from your GP, or elsewhere.

  • FormerMember
    FormerMember in reply to FormerMember

    - sorry to hear things aren't going so well. Have you been given an anti nausea drug?

  • FormerMember
    FormerMember in reply to FormerMember

    Yes we got one today fingers crossed it works thanks ! 

  • FormerMember
    FormerMember in reply to FormerMember

    Thanks good luck to both of you . Immunotherapy can be amazing. We were just unlucky in that it didn’t suit my husband! 

  • FormerMember
    FormerMember in reply to FormerMember

    Great - if it doesn't work ask for an alternative and then another and another until it does There are lots of them - I'm on my 3rd, metoclopramide.

    Domperidone which is a favourite didn't touch the sides for me.

    Be aware that many of these work by pushing food through quickly so diarrhea becomes more prevalent then it becomes a balancing act between whatever you're prescribed for the sickness and loperamide, but it is doable.

  • FormerMember
    FormerMember in reply to FormerMember

    My husband was on Nivolumab & Ipilimumab every 3 weeks for 4 sessions.  He is now on a 6 week break before having a further scan.  His monthly maintenance programme of Nivolumab starts on 9 March.  The tumour in his lung has shrunk.  We are in Australia.

  • FormerMember
    FormerMember in reply to FormerMember

    Hi , how is your husband doing? Is he still on treatment? My dad is about to start nivolumab and ipilimumab treatment tomorrow. Hope he (and you) are doing well.