Dementia and Colon Caner

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Hi everyone,

New to this site so apologies if i'm in the wrong place! My lovely mother in law has just been diagnosed with caecum cancer and needs a right hemicolectomy as it is quite advanced. She also suffers from dementia and it has been mentioned during discussions with the cancer nurse that surgery may not necessarily be the right course for her as we have to weigh up mental health v physical health - quantity v quality. The team are having another MDT next week and I know we will have to make some tough decisions after that time. She is still able to live independently and has a good life (albeit a forgetful one) and we know this will completely change if we choose surgery. She is 85 and has survived breast cancer and 2 knee replacements. What a terrible dilemma for all concerned and i'm wondering if anyone else on this forum has gone through the same thing?? Thank you so much for reading. Sally x

court over 1 year ago

Hi Sally54

So sorry to read about your lovely mother in law . Sounds as though you have a special relationship.

I have experienced dementia with my dad but my mum has stage 4 bowel cancer and is 14 years since diagnosis which has taken her into her 80s . Combining this I would have a few questions if it was my relative particularly if she is still independent in her own home .

1 , If she has surgery would it result in a stoma as this would require her to be able to change it or to start carers if this does not occur already .

2 . If she does not have surgery is she at risk of having a bowel obstruction in the near future and if so could a stent be fitted or would emergency surgery come into play .

3. How would they manage her symptoms and who takes responsibility for that . Does she stay on their books !

4 . What form of pain relief is normally used if required .

Hope that helps some .

Court

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