One recently explained it to me by a hospice worker as the body turning off
moreso than the person disregarding food.

My father avoided food during the last couple of months of Parkinson's
Disease which left him with an intact mind in a non-functioning body.
Whether it was a conscious effort on his part to hasten the end or a
lack of appetite we don't know.  Either way, his body shut down and he
died.  My poor mom tried desparately to spoon feed him but he would
turn his head away (the only part of his body he could move) or block
his mouth with his tongue.  It was so sad to watch my mother pleading
"You've got to eat" while I'm thinking "Why?  Let the man go."

These are very tough times for your BIL and his wife plus other family
members as well.  The important thing is that he be made as comfortable
as possible and that nobody be left with guilt for not having "done
enough."

The best to you all.
Dave Perry

Hi Jackie...The "anorexia-cachexia" cycle is well known in late stage
cancer patients.  The following article can provide a good overview

http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/502423?src=mp

An oncologist can prescribe medications that can treat such situations.
Sometimes gastro or throat blockages, or brain tumors can also be
responsible for the lack of appetite in these situations...Best wishes
and good health, Ron

Thanks so much for the posts.  My BIL has the Marijuana medication
prescribed, and other meds for appetite also.  This is an uneven path, as he
will eat on some days, and not on the next.  My sister is doing all she can
to interest him in food.
She has been in remission from Leukemia for several months.
I worry as much about her as I do about him.
Again, thanks everyone.
Jackie