I have stage 4 colon/liver cancer and am eating less than 1000 calories a day, is this normal?

I’m so sorry that you are going through this. Many cancer patients struggle to eat.

My MIL’s oncologist told her to add ice cream to her ensure drinks to add calories. She was having the same issues as you, nothing tasted good and she wasn’t hungry either. She lost tons of weight too.

Wishing you peace during this difficult time.

If on Chemo treatment u food will taste funny. My FIL complained of a metallic taste. 2500 calories is kind of much for a woman. I think 2000 is average and that is for an active person. After menopause we tend not to burn off those calories as well. I can't eat over 1500 without gaining weight. Your team must have a nutritionist who can help u.

I'm sorry to hear of your health issues.

As far as calorie intake..my MIL has been subsisting on >400 calories a day for almost 6 months. She has lost some weight, but she doesn't move much in a day, and surprisingly, is in pretty 'good health' for someone who is living on a starvation diet.

Sometimes taking in more calories actually makes you feel worse. MIL will throw up anything beyond her 'normal' intake. Like her body is rejecting it.

When I had cancer and was undergoing chemo, I was able to eat, but I wil still malnourished the entire run of the chemo. I couldn't eat enough to stay properly nourished. It was a constant challenge.

Are you on pain meds? Those alone will cause you to have very little appetite.

I wish you all the best in this difficult journey.

I'm so sorry to hear about your cancer, and can well understand why you don't have any appetite. There was a conversation about getting in more calories that I posted in which has some good tips on getting in more calories. https://www.agingcare.com/questions/does-anyone-have-an-idea-on-how-to-get-more-calories-into-my-husband-who-does-not-eat-much-he-has-lo-477928.htm

If you are tolerating the nutrition supplement drinks, Boost makes a very high calorie version (530 calories, 22g protein), but you have to buy it online as I haven't found it available at retail stores. The benecalorie supplement already mentioned is great because it's basically tasteless and can be added to other foods, plus it's got a very small volume relative to how many calories it has (330 calories and 7g high-quality protein per 1.5 oz container). If you add it to the very high calorie Boost to make a smoothie, perhaps added some fruit, you'd have 860 calories in a serving. If you could tolerate 3 of these a day, as opposed to 3 regular high calorie Boosts you have now, you'd be getting 2580 calories which is very adequate intake. If you get tired of sweet stuff, the Benecalorie can be added to mashed potatoes, cream soups, etc.

I'm sorry about your cancer. My FIL had pancreatic cancer and his oncologist told him that malnutrition is a factor for cancer patients in treatment. They told him to just get calories into his body. They gave him high-calorie candies (like 700 each candy). I don't know what they were called. I know cancer treatments impact your desire for food. Maybe talk to your oncologist or nutritionist about apetite stimulants. I wish you healing and peace in your heart on this journey!

You need to ask your medical team these questions, they know your circumstances personally and have the experience to offer the best advice. You might also look at joining a cancer support group.
If all you can stomach are meal replacement drinks then get the ones like ensure plus that provide 350 calories.

You can only last so long if you don't have the calories to burn from food. My mother also has food issues with cancer, and the nutritionist told me about this product that we add to her food when she's not feeling like eating much:

Benecalorie Calorie and Protein Food Enhancer
1.5 fluid-ounce serving provides 330 calories, 7 grams of protein plus added vitamins C and E

I'd check w your dr to see if it is ok with your conditions.

Erin, first off I'm so sorry for your suffering. I've never had cancer but from what you have described I would imagine that it's pretty normal. What does your doctor say? They are the ones who would know and could help.