Mum suspected Bowel Cancer

Hi @Lu1974 and a warm welcome to the board. I was diagnosed in 2016 so before COVID but I met with one of the surgeons team for a consultation shortly after being diagnosed where they discussed the scan results with me and also my treatment plan. I then had my pre-op assessment with the actual surgeon and also the stoma nurse.

I think you have every right to be annoyed and it’s only right that your mum should know what is going on. I’m sure you will have a lot of questions. Has the cancer spread outside of the bowel? What sort of operation will she be having? Will she need a stoma? 
Most people are allocated a Colorectal Support Nurse when diagnosed so you could maybe ring the hospital and ask to be put through to the colorectal support team. Failing that ring the consultants secretary again and ask to have a telephone consultation with 1 of the team. 

This doesn’t sound right to me at all and you’re right to push for more information. If all else fails contacts the hospitals PALS dept and see if they can rattle a few cages

Hope you are able to get some more information for your mum - it’s a very stressful time and this is an unnecessary extra. Please let us know how you get on?

Take care

Karen x

Hi Karen

Thanks for the reply - its nice to know I am not being unreasonable! We have contacted Mums GP who is chasing things up as Mum is also very anaemic. She had an Iron infusion a couple of week ago but her Haemoglobin levels are still very low so she is to have a blood transfusion next week. Just hoping the GP can sort out Mum seeing the consultant. Due to Covid i can't go to any of these appointments! 

Thanks again, its so nice to speak to people that have gone/are going through a similar situation.

X

Hi Lu1974

You are right to be concerned as you mum requires to be fully informed of the surgery and the risks to consent to the process . So glad your GP is casing up the information. My mum has had surgery twice where the surgeon was changed on the day but that was absolutely fine they were highly competent surgeons doing the same procedure she consented for .

Covid has changed a lot but not that part . She needs to know .

Our helpline staff are available 0808 808 0000 if you need help navigating this .

Take care ,

Court 

Hi Lou1974

You are definitely right to be anxious and concerned in the complete lack of information and your right to choose!

What health authority are you with?

Your Mum should be totally informed as to the diagnosis/treatment of the lump. Also be able to have a conversation with the surgeon. 

Is it an outpatient treatment or an operation requiring ten days in hospital?

Just the practicalities of the operation are extremely important for you all to plan the packing etc  

I would contact them if your GP has no luck and find out what they are planning as you need to prepare for it.