Can Megastrol Be Given For Loss Of Appetite Due To Chemotherapy?
Question: Mother(67) has been eating like a mouse for years and has always been a small framed Woman. She developed some other issues and while getting treatment for those issues, Cancer was discovered in the Ovaries and Omentum. (Greater or lesser was not specified). Brain cleared, Pancreas cleared. Her ability to eat has diminished tremendously so She began to lose weight. Local Doctors prepared and She had received first Chemo when Family collectively decide to move Her to Mayo in Pheonix. Her size became the issue for the Cancer treatment, tried feeding tube along with some additional food by mouth. After about 2 weeks they decided to send her home without a great explanation and absence of advice," Just go home and comfort." In my experiences, that is a signature on the death certificate. In this current situation she will dehydrate or starve to death. Why is she not a candidate for Megestrol? She has a brother a year younger who had several issues from a head injury and they gave this Medicine, Instantly changed his life.( 7 or 8 days) That's almost instant compared to a lifetime isn't it? She has been on high blood pressure Meds but does not seem to be an issue since the weight loss. Life Smoker with inhalers periodically throughout the day. They put Her on anti-depressant and some kind of nausea Med. 6 months ago She was full of life with no worries, now this. Do we need to seek Second opinions? Any suggestions?
Thanks for the help!! XXXXXXX
Thanks for the help!! XXXXXXX
Brief Answer:
Hello. Supportive treatment should be aggressive
Detailed Answer:
Hello dear. I have understand your concern. So in patients who have low appetite with loss of weight, there are a few options to build weight and general well being. Of course megestrol is one of the drug which improves appetite and we frequently utilise this drug for our patients. Anabilic steroid like decadurabolin also helps in building weimght in cancer patients. Also, if she is ber ridden and not feeling eating, a force feeding by nasogastric tube with high protien and fat liquid diet will help.
Thanks and regards
Hello. Supportive treatment should be aggressive
Detailed Answer:
Hello dear. I have understand your concern. So in patients who have low appetite with loss of weight, there are a few options to build weight and general well being. Of course megestrol is one of the drug which improves appetite and we frequently utilise this drug for our patients. Anabilic steroid like decadurabolin also helps in building weimght in cancer patients. Also, if she is ber ridden and not feeling eating, a force feeding by nasogastric tube with high protien and fat liquid diet will help.
Thanks and regards
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T