Hi there,
I'm after some advise. My dad was diagnosed with a colon tumour in June. On cancer staging imaging a lung nodule was also found that is suspicious of a metastatic lesion. With the complexity of my dad's medical history, colon surgery is too risky. My dad is 65, had a review with anesthetics who also agree that surgery is too risky. He has had discussions with regards to alternative treatment with chemo and radiotherapy but due to his medical history it seems this option will make him extremely poorly and he feels this isn't something he wants to do. He was told yesterday from the colorectal team that as he has decided not to have treatment they no longer need to see him. No follow ups. I was surprised by this. They have said he is now under yhe care of his GP. We're assuming there is no alternative option. I couldnt make it to his last appointment with him and this im struggling with as i feel i didnt get to ask about whetherthere are any other alternatives. I was wondering whether there is an alternative care pathway team that he could be under? He is awaiting a follow up for the lung nodule, they want to biopsy but even this poses risks, which my dad doesn't want to put himself through so it's likely he will be discharged from them too.
At present my dad feels well in himself but has had a few different infections recently (bowel and leg). He is also experiencing loss of rectal blood. He is on waffarin so my worry is that a rectal bleed could easily escalate.
Just wondering what care pathway options there might be for him going forward. As symptoms progress, is it correct that the care under the GP is the best option? What if he requires therapeutic intervention (colon stent)?
Any advise would be greatly recieved
BW
Zoe W
