My DB is elderly and lives alone. In October he collapsed while out doing his shopping. He was admitted to hospital and as well as infection they discovered cancer in stomach, liver and possibly lymph nodes. He had fluid round his lungs which we were told is a sign of the cancer spreading.
He was discharged home after a few weeks but had another fall and lay undiscovered for some days so was readmitted. He has gone in a few weeks from biking everywhere to barely able to walk even with a frame. He is extremely bloated - think Henry VIII. Breathing horribly laboured and bubbly sounding. At the moment he has been placed in a rehab home to improve his mobility. He would like to go home but his home is extremely unsuitable. Absolutely awful. Dirty and piled high with rubbish. Been like it for years, family never allowed in but he would visit their houses quite happily for family events.
OK my question is, while he was in hospital the second time my younger brother (after speaking to a doctor on rounds) got the impression that as the cancer was so widespread, it would be palliative care only and DB would not be seeing an oncologist.
Now we find out he does have an appointment, next week. So perhaps other DB is mistaken that our brother wouldn't need to see a specialist? I thought it seemed odd, but have no experience. It is so frustrating living some distance away, all my information is second hand. Please could anyone tell me if this is standard procedure? What can the oncologist tell him? The home he is in still haven't received his notes, so the system seems somewhat mysterious to me.
Thank you.