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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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How Long Someone Who Has No Real Nutritional Input Or Absorption Can Continue?

I have a very close friend who went in for diverticulitis surgery 10/4/10 and wa dx with Stave IV Ovarian cancer; has a colostomy bag. No chemo, radiation but did attempt various homeopathic protocols but unable to tolerate them as well. She presently can' t keep ANYTHING down and appears to be 'dumping' as soon as she has any intake of fluid. Unfortunately, the majority of her sustenance over the past three months has been from juicing with minimal solid intake due to her concerns about sugar and cancer. She has been going for hydration every other day and has had ascites drained x2 under lungs. She was given 3-6 month prognosis without chemo. She has indicated that she feels her time is now near, yet, despite losing 40 lbs. since the surgery, she looks well, though I know she is in pain. She said the palliative (hospice) people told her she only has a few weeks. My question is, how long can someone who has no real nutritional input or absorption, continue? Her daughter and granddauther just arrived and will here throughout February. I ask this as she has told others that she is doing better, although I feel she has told me the truth due to our closeness. I've tried to look up info on 'dumping' but she won't hear any of it. I fear she has just given up.
Fri, 26 Jun 2015
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Radiologist 's  Response
Hi,
Thanks for writing in.

In patients as described above, there is an option in total parenteral nutrition. This is a method by which fluids and essential nutrients are given intravenously. This can be a temporary measure to initiate wellness in the patient and can also be continued for weeks to months to make the patient survive is they cannot consume oral fluids and solid.

The patient has got treated to drain ascites and also got hydration therapy done regularly. As prognosis in advanced stage cancer is guarded, she can survive some months on total parenteral nutrition if provided regularly. This might be discussed with her doctor. Please do not worry.
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How Long Someone Who Has No Real Nutritional Input Or Absorption Can Continue?

Hi, Thanks for writing in. In patients as described above, there is an option in total parenteral nutrition. This is a method by which fluids and essential nutrients are given intravenously. This can be a temporary measure to initiate wellness in the patient and can also be continued for weeks to months to make the patient survive is they cannot consume oral fluids and solid. The patient has got treated to drain ascites and also got hydration therapy done regularly. As prognosis in advanced stage cancer is guarded, she can survive some months on total parenteral nutrition if provided regularly. This might be discussed with her doctor. Please do not worry.