Hungry end-stage melanoma pt, age 76, now aspirates all food; family won't allow feeding tube. 1. how to nourish and 2. is food 'feeding' the cancer?

Hospice: It sounds like this person would benefit from a hospice consult. It seems that some decisions regarding her future have already been made..

No easy answer.: There are no easy answers here. Intravenous feeding does not improve quality of life or longevity, is expensive, has complications and is not appropriate in this setting. If it is decided not to place a feeding tube, then comfort and relief of symptoms are paramount. Hospice nurses can help with this. If there is no strategy that allows the patient to swollow without choking, do not feed.

End of life: Care is fraught with difficult issues. No calories don't feed just the tumor, liquid food, like ensure or boost, may go down easier. You direly need a palliative care expert or hospice. I would urge you not go the IV route. Frank conversation, discussion of goals with the dying person and filling their will is important.

G-tube?: A simply procedure could place a tube directly into the stomach through which nutrition could be delivered. This is often referred to as a g-tube. And no, the food would not be "feeding" the cancer.