84 year old with colon cancer.

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After some illness and anaemia over the last year and a recent stay in hospital with a kidney infection and diarrhoea/vomiting, my 84 year old nan has been diagnosed with colon cancer for the second time (last time 18years ago). She saw the colorectal surgeon today who confirmed the cancer diagnosis and that this is a new cancer not a recurrence and made her an appointment to discuss pros and cons of surgery, frailty etc with the Anaesthetist. The surgeon thought the cancer would be a stage 3 if it has spread to the lymph nodes but they don’t know if it has. Apparently after seeing the anaesthetist she will return to see the surgeon or be passed on to Oncology if she decides against surgery.
I don’t understand how she is supposed to make an informed choice about surgery without knowing all the details like what her prognosis is without the surgery etc.
Could anyone enlighten me please in how this all works?
I also would like some guidance on what kind of questions we should ask the anaesthetist to make the most of that appointment. Today’s appointment seems like a bit of a waste of time as Nan had already been told she had cancer following her colonoscopy in hospital 2 weeks ago.
I would really appreciate any advice. Thanks.

I went to a similar appointment with my mum. In our case it was concluded that mum wouldn’t survive an anaesthetic so surgery was not an option. It’s important this assessment is done before a referral to oncology because your Nan doesn’t necessarily have a choice, as such.

Yes doesn't sound very informed which u fortunately does often happen. Is she an otherwise fit 84 yr old that could get through an anaesthetic/surgery or is she quite frail?

It sounds like she maybe needs to have another appointment with the colorectal surgeon to ask the questions you've brought up in your post, or if she's been given a cancer specialist nurse a discussion with them re diagnosis/prognosis/what surgery involves would be useful in her making a decision. Or, she may have strong feelings already in which way she wants to go already.

If she's quite frail the decision re surgery may be taken out of your hands by the anesthetist anyway. A good start may be to have the appointment with the anesthetist, see what they have to say then explain you don't feel informed enough to make a decisions and could you meet with the surgeon if that's an option thats open.

Thank you, I never thought of it from that perspective. The surgeon said they could remove the tumour so I assumed it would be more her choice rather than being turned down by the anaesthetist.

My Dad has just had chemo ( 3 cycles before surgery) and then excision surgery for stage 3 colon cancer. He was 84 when he had surgery and is doing brilliantly now. 12 weeks after surgery he's regained lost weight, driving and going out for meals etc.

He was pretty fit and well going into it though, no serious conditions. Good luck to your Grandmother. It's stressful but I've been surprised how well it's gone so far.

We did ask these questions in a round about way but got vague replies. Maybe we need to be more direct. Nan’s heart etc is in good condition, some problems with neuropathy and vascular issues. She will do what’s recommended by doctors but would like the surgery, she wants to stay alive.

The anaesthetist had a long chat, did lots of test including a cardiac echo and chose a hospital with an ITU, so they seriously assessed him.

cathyandclaire that’s a really positive story, thank you. Roll on 2nd January for this next appointment.

I'll add My gran also had surgery for bowel cancer at 80 odd and came through it fine. But definitely ask re prognosis and any other treatment needed as this is where you've got to add up risk/benefit.

Thank you for your advice and reassurance, I will pass the info along to my Nan.