Seeking Advice and Guidance for Ascites & Cancer combo

[wriedel77]

My precious MIL (only 58 years old) is dealing with stage 4 liver cancer accompanied by ascites, and we are desperately looking for some relief for her and praying the fluid will quit filling up her abdomen as it causes so much pain and discomfort. Her body is too weak for a liver transplant and kidneys are not working as good as we would like either. She is doing chemo and that is shrinking the cancer, just not enough yet to stop the ascites. She has a port and can be drained every other day but it is not enough. (Only allowed to drain 1 L every other day)

Any advice or suggestions? Doctors are stumped when it comes to any further treatment regarding her organs, so we are focusing on diet. (No meat, no sugar, no carbs, no gluten) Anyone been through this or know of someone who has? Maybe You can share some good recipes or things you or your loved one liked to eat while on this strict diet.

I’m currently 7 months pregnant with her granddaughter that we have prayed for, for 5 years, and I can’t stand the thought of her not being able to meet her. Please help, even if all the help you can offer is a prayer.

[Starfish13]

Prayers for you and your family. I am so sorry you and your family are going through this. I know it is hard but please remember to take care of yourself as well. Hugs and prayers are on there way ❤️

[wriedel77 in reply to Starfish13]

Thank you so much ♥️♥️

[TT-2018]

I am sorry to hear about your mother in law’s condition. I was end stage decompensated cirrhosis and carried around 25-30 litres of excess fluid. I was drained every three weeks, not an easy procedure. It is good that she has a port and can be drained frequently, around 3-4 litres a week is a common buildup.

The most important thing in her diet is removing salt. Things like bread are high in salt, as is processed food etc. It would definitely help if you could talk to a dietician, as she will probably struggle to eat. Get the protein shakes on prescription, they definitely are a big help.

It took the doctors over 8 months to get me well enough for an assessment for transplant. Her age will most likely go in her favour in regards to this. Hopefully she will continue to respond to the chemotherapy.

I wish you all the best and a positive outcome.

Mark.

[wriedel77 in reply to TT-2018]

Thank you so much for the info! She does not have a dietician so I think that will be my next step. Also I have never heard of shakes on prescription so I will ask about those. Your reply really gave me some hope, appreciate you!

[TT-2018 in reply to wriedel77]

The shakes are Ensure or Fortijuice, there may well be others. But you really should get these with medical advice on prescription. Push for a dietician appointment, no problem doing that on the phone etc.

The major issue is to keep the salt level down, a certain amount is required but it should not be exceeded.

Hopefully you will see an improvement.

Mark.

[Lam1e]

So sorry to hear about your MIL. I agree about a dietitian and they do have specialist liver ones. I would say ASAP! The protein drinks are great, I was on two fortisip compact a day and 340 calories each, they are quite thick but you can use them to make custards and thin them down with milk. The other things I had were jellies, from a company called Nutrinovo, I am sure there are other companies but these can all be prescribed. I also wonder if some mental health support could help, she may already have this, but for me the mental and physical health go together.

She will also be worried about you and the baby so make sure you are looking after yourself too🙏

Lesley

[wriedel77 in reply to Lam1e]

Thank you so much! I need to look into the jellies. What did you eat the jellies with? Mental support is something that we have talked about and I think would be a great idea as well. It’s so nice to hear from people who have been through something similar.

[Lam1e in reply to wriedel77]

The jellies are quite dense, so I tended just to eat them chopped up with fruit. I forgot to mention they also do gel pouches, sort of thing you can eat with a straw., I didn’t like them.That was the only company I had heard of (through a friend who’s mum had been prescribed them) but I am sure there are other companies.

Stay safe and well🤗🙏