Sister diagnosed with cancer

Kaz....... 18 days ago

2 replies
103 subscribers
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My sister has been diagnosed with bowel cancer.

She is 69, lifelong disabled, mentally and physically.

Also epileptic and diabetic.

Apart from this. She is ok and likes to watch TV and have damily round.

It was explained they can offer chemo, radiotherapy and surgery, if all goes well and she is fit enough.

The problem is, she's not eating properly and in pain, where the tumour is pulling in her groin.

She's bleeding out of her bottom and on and off the toilet day and night

I wish i could take it instead. It's so unfair she's had a difficult life due to her health and now this.

I'm worried she won't be fit enough to cope with the treatment and I've promised her I will look after her at home.

What happens if she can't have treatment?

Thank you for any replies.

Susan13 18 days ago

Hi Kaz,

I see you reacted to my post about eating so you've seen my best advice on that topic.

You said she was fit enough for treatment but are asking what happens if she isn't. Are you worried that her symptoms will prevent treatment? I'd check in with her doctor but what you described doesn't seem serious enough to withhold treatment.

It's easy to imagine all sorts of problems and descend into a cycle of worrying. I know, I've done it over and over. As much as possible try to focus on what is known and leave the "what ifs" alone. (Not easy to do!)

To answer the question, I'd assume if she can't be treated some sort of palliative care would be offered but being US based I'm not sure how it works for you.

Kaz....... 18 days ago in reply to Susan13

Thank you for your reply.

She's ok in the morning, but feels sick in the evening and doesnt eat much.

It's took a couple of weeks to get her Ensure drinks, but the doctor prescribed the wrong ones and put them in my name!

I don't think she should know if it turns out to be terminal. She's not mentally able to deal with thst. I'm going to speak to her nurse and see what she says