On 11/1/2007 tooworried wrote:
My dad, 81 years old, was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma in July. He had 3 chemo sessions. He ended up with an infection and has been in the hospital for almost 4 weeks now. The doctors say his tumor has really shrunk. He should be able to come home but he is not eating. He has become very weak. I have asked him if he is just wanting to give up and he says, "NO!" very forcefully. He does not want to die. He doesn't know why he can't eat. The doctors say he can have whatever he wants to restore his strength. I bring him many different things but after just 2 bites, which he chews forever, he won't eat any more. He knows how important it is but he can't seem to do anything about it. Has anyone had this happen? The doctors have said there is nothing they can do now, they will just let him die. I understand this as they can't treat him if he doesn't eat. Can anyone help me.....quickly?
Why don't they put a feeding tube in to help him? He is mostly starving. I can't eat due to tongue cancer and have had a feeding tube for 29 months. I would die without it. I will most likely have it the rest of my life.
Blessing to your Dad. I will pray for him.