Mum was diagnosed with Bowel cancer back in 2005 and had surgery to remove part of her bowel. Fast forward to August last year, she had a FIT test because of blood in her faeces and was sent for a scan, she was then given a diagnoses of secondary Liver and lung cancer, she had large lesions on liver. Due to her being 88 and having other health problems she was told there was no treatment available, and it was probable if she stayed stable it she could have long months, however if she deteriorated quickly then short months. The hospital basically told mum they didn’t need to see her again, there would be no other tests done. At the moment mum is doing ok, and to be honest some days outwardly you wouldn’t think anything was wrong, even mum questioned whether they had diagnoses right. She has had 4 chest infections which have required antibiotics. We totally understand everyone’s cancer journey is different but is it common for her to be fairly well, will she suddenly deteriorate? Mum hasn’t seen one doctor only nurses at home to treat leg ulcers. I am not really sure what I am asking, it’s just that mum is asking lots of questions about what’s going to happen and nobody seems able to answer.
Hi Watergypsy and a very warm welcome to the online community which I hope you'll find is both an informative and supportive place to be.
I'm sorry to read there is no further treatment available for your mum and it's natural to have lots of questions.
As you know, the online community is divided into different support forums so you might also find it useful to join the bowel cancer forum where you'll find other people whose cancer has spread enabling you to ask questions, share experiences and get support.
If you'd like to join, just click on the link I've created and, once you've joined, you can start a new post in the same way as you did here and join in with existing conversations by clicking on 'reply'.
As for your mum's unanswered questions does she have a CNS (cancer nurse specialist), sometimes referred to as a keyworker or Macmillan nurse, as she would be your mum's point of contact at the hospital? They have access to your mum's medical records so should be able to help with your mum's questions.
It would be great if you could put something about your mum's diagnosis and treatment into your profile as it really helps others when replying to you and also when looking for someone on a similar pathway. It also means that you don't have to keep repeating yourself. To do this click on your username and then select 'Profile'. You can amend it at any time and if you're not sure what to write you can take a look at mine by clicking on my username.
"Never regret a day in your life, good days give you happiness, bad days give you experience"
