How long can someone survive without food

[aussieboone]

My wife is in the later stage of Kidney Cancer & brain Tumour, she is on some heavy drugs to stop seizures or at least control them, but she hasn't had the appetite to eat for some time & only drinks small amounts about 200ml per day. Because we have a 16 yr old son it is really hard for him to see his mother going through this & would like to know how long my wife can last without food & limited fluids. She has been this way for about 8 weeks & has lost a lot of weight. Please help because i don't know what to expect

[irdano]

Hi Aussieboone, I couldn't eat due to the chemo stripping my throat so i had to get a naso gastric feeding tube. I's a thin tube that connects to a pump that delivers nutrients to the stomach via the nasal passage. I was in hospital at the time and it was pretty non negotaible. Is your wife at home? What does her Oncologist think? my thoughts are with you in this tough time. cheers irdano

[aussieboone]

Hi Irdano, my wife is in palliative care and the oncologist has done all he can unfortunately the cancer is to agressive to treat. I actually spoke to a nurse yesterday who said that a person could last weeks with out food as lond as they drink. My wife is getting weaker by the day. thnaks for your input

[thaker]

Hi aussieboone When my husband was admitted in palliative care he was effectively nil by mouth because he could no longer swallow. He had several brain tumours. Initially we used ice chips to moisten his mouth and then switched to a gel. He lasted 15 days with no fluids or food. I was told that each individual is different and yes it could be weeks. I am sorry for what you and your family are going through at the moment. The palliative care staff should be able to answer any questions you may have. Sometimes its just hard to ask the right question. Regards thaker

[aussieboone]

Hi Thaker, I managed to talk to a nurse & ask the questions & she was great, full of answers & support. My wife would have to be the strongest person i have ever met, she is a fighter & only my wife will know when she has had enough it is just so hard to see her this way. Thanks for your kind thoughts

[aussieboone]

Over the past month or so you people have helped me care for my wife. Unfortunately she passed away on Tuesday 28th September @ 9.30am after a very short 7 month's battling multiple tumours. She is now resting after her hard journey & will be sadly missed. My wife was only 47 years old, i hope that the support we have recieved from family & friends continues through a greiving.