Bowel cancer

10 replies

JessyJames · 09/04/2018 16:46

My 85yr old mother has been in hospital due to abdominal pain and change in bowel habit. She's had a colonoscopy and was found to have a large tumour in her bowel.
She's now back home waiting for the results of the biopsies. The surgeon has told me it's likely to be cancer. He has said her only option will be surgery which is very high risk given her age.
Mentally she's quite sharp but physically not so good. She lives on her own and refuses carers. She's still in pain so I'm going to try and get the GP out to her tomorrow.
It's such a shitty situation, I just don't know what to do next. I suppose it's a waiting game now until they call her back to discuss her treatment options. In the mean time we have to keep a close eye on her to make sure her bowel doesn't obstruct.
Sorry for the outpouring, but I feel I'm floundering.

OP posts:

TheMadGardener · 09/04/2018 20:48

Can't help much, but just wanted to offer good vibes.
My DH was diagnosed with stage 4 bowel cancer just over a year ago (aged 62). His wasn't operable but he has had chemo. He's not well, but he's still jogging along.

Have they suggested her taking Movicol to help the faeces move through the restricted bowel space caused by the tumour? That's what the oncology nurse suggested for DH and it has helped a bit.

TheDuckSaysMoo · 09/04/2018 20:56

for you and your mum. My mum was similar in December 16. They operated, she suffered life threatening clots but this wasn't due to age. She pulled through, is completely recovered and cancer free. She went from being at death's door and a 6.5 stone skeleton back to her normal self in 6 months. She's 4 years younger than your mum, so there is hope.

Take it one step at a time though. The consultant will be able to advise you about the prospect of surgery working and whether she is strong enough to cope.

Zadocthepriest · 09/04/2018 21:01

Please have a look at the 'Beating bowel cancer' forum, where you will get lots of advice and support. Best wishes to you both.

Sprinklesinmyelbow · 09/04/2018 21:03

Bowel cancer is such a cruel disease. I hope you get more information and some positive news soon x

Babdoc · 09/04/2018 21:06

I'm sorry you're having to deal with this, I'm sure you're v worried about her. But I can assure you that the anaesthetist will have her fully pre-assessed before deciding on her fitness for surgery, and will not proceed unless there is a reasonable chance of a good outcome. If she's definitely not fit for a major bowel resection, it's sometimes possible to just do a defunctioning colostomy to avoid her obstructing. However, at my own hospital, we often operated on patients even in their 90's - a lot depends on their heart and lung function rather than just their age.
Try not to meet trouble halfway, but wait and be guided by the team looking after your mother. They will have her best interests in mind when making the decision.

NotSoSureX · 09/04/2018 21:09

Is your mum on any painkillers ? If the GP is coming to see her, it would be good if he could start / escalate her pain relief. She shouldn't be in pain while waiting for a treatment decision. Bear in mind that oppoid based painkillers can be constipating and a laxative might be needed to avoid constipation. Good luck.

Penfold007 · 09/04/2018 21:28

A year ago DH (mid sixties) was diagnosed with bowel cancer completely out of the blue. one of the things we both clung on to was the consultant and the Macmillan nurse telling us that people 80+ had come through the surgery and gone on to live fulfilling lives. I really hope your DM has a good result. DH is doing well but who knows what is around the corner.

MissEliza · 09/04/2018 23:30

My dm was diagnosed with bowel cancer two years ago. My dh was diagnosed four years ago. Obviously every case is different but I want to tell you from my experience that the NHS is brilliant in these cases. I would also turn to McMillan for advice.

Original poster

JessyJames · 15/04/2018 18:18

Thank you for your kind replies.
Managed to speak to the GP who prescribed some morphine. That had helped to control her pain and allowed her to get some sleep.
We're back to the hospital on Tuesday to see a specialist nurse. Hopefully she can give some idea of her treatment/care options.

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Anonymum40 · 25/04/2018 21:28

My dad had a tumour in his bowel removed a couple of years ago. Thankfully it hadn't spread to lymph glands or anywhere else, so the operation was the end of the story. He was 78 then, 81 now and recovered from it all well - a whole host of other problems now though...

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