Discussion
My father recieved a leaflet the other week about bowel cancer. I think as he was coming up to 70 there was a free checkup available.
He had the symptons on the leaflet and as such immediately booked in for a check-up. I took him to the hospital yesterday and there is something 'abnormal' there, however could not say what. He is going back in for a scan in the next 2-3 days.
Obviously this is not looking good & the whole family is upset, however I am trying to look on the not so negatives (there are obviously no positives) and what the best case could be.
From my reading up it seems if caught early enough the chances of successful surgery are fairly good. It may not even be bowel cancer, albeit likely to be.
Has anyone been though this & if so I would welcome your comments.
He had the symptons on the leaflet and as such immediately booked in for a check-up. I took him to the hospital yesterday and there is something 'abnormal' there, however could not say what. He is going back in for a scan in the next 2-3 days.
Obviously this is not looking good & the whole family is upset, however I am trying to look on the not so negatives (there are obviously no positives) and what the best case could be.
From my reading up it seems if caught early enough the chances of successful surgery are fairly good. It may not even be bowel cancer, albeit likely to be.
Has anyone been though this & if so I would welcome your comments.
Hobo,
Sorry to hear about your Dad,
I have a very similar story to tell.
My Dad received the same info, went for the check, something nasty found etc.
He had a colonoscopy and had the offending polyp removed, Histology proved it to have cancerous elements.
Following this they have advised him to have a section of his bowel removed which he is having done this friday.
He is keeping positive as the Docs have spun it that it is a "just to make sure" op... which I do infact go along with.
I totally believe, as with most cancers (not all) that if it is caught early then the future looks bright. I am holding on to this thought for my Old man on friday and during his recovery.
I am reasonably in the know (being in a medical profession based at the other end of the body) but I found the Cancer research websiote very helpful and informative about what to expect.
http://www.cancerresearchuk.org/
I wish your dad all the very best
Sorry to hear about your Dad,
I have a very similar story to tell.
My Dad received the same info, went for the check, something nasty found etc.
He had a colonoscopy and had the offending polyp removed, Histology proved it to have cancerous elements.
Following this they have advised him to have a section of his bowel removed which he is having done this friday.
He is keeping positive as the Docs have spun it that it is a "just to make sure" op... which I do infact go along with.
I totally believe, as with most cancers (not all) that if it is caught early then the future looks bright. I am holding on to this thought for my Old man on friday and during his recovery.
I am reasonably in the know (being in a medical profession based at the other end of the body) but I found the Cancer research websiote very helpful and informative about what to expect.
http://www.cancerresearchuk.org/
I wish your dad all the very best
Edited by Christiaan on Tuesday 4th August 10:20
Hobo,
I know what you are going through and understand your anguish.
In the last three years both my dad and father in law have had cancer.
My dad had mouth cancer which was operated on and a large chunk of his jaw removed and new bone let in. He is doing fine now and has just had a MRI which is 8 months since the operation and all seems to be doing well.
My father in law, however, had a lung removed due to cancer about three years ago and then 8 months ago had a tumor on his spine. He had that removed but the cancer is back and spreading to his spine and nervous system. We have been told it is terminal but 13 months ago he was told to plan his time in weeks not months. He is still here.
He is due into hospital on Tuesday for Heat Treatment (or Hyperthermia) which heats the cancerous cells up so that the Chemo can work much more effectively. This is a fairly new treatment and has had great results.
Two sufferers but two completely different outcomes.
So, look to the positive until told otherwise. They are always finding new treatments to help sufferers and if caught early the odds are always better.
You may already have seen this but have found this site very helpful..
http://www.cancerhelp.org.uk/help/default.asp?page...
I hope its not cancer and instead something easily treatable. Good luck.
Kev
I know what you are going through and understand your anguish.
In the last three years both my dad and father in law have had cancer.
My dad had mouth cancer which was operated on and a large chunk of his jaw removed and new bone let in. He is doing fine now and has just had a MRI which is 8 months since the operation and all seems to be doing well.
My father in law, however, had a lung removed due to cancer about three years ago and then 8 months ago had a tumor on his spine. He had that removed but the cancer is back and spreading to his spine and nervous system. We have been told it is terminal but 13 months ago he was told to plan his time in weeks not months. He is still here.
He is due into hospital on Tuesday for Heat Treatment (or Hyperthermia) which heats the cancerous cells up so that the Chemo can work much more effectively. This is a fairly new treatment and has had great results.
Two sufferers but two completely different outcomes.
So, look to the positive until told otherwise. They are always finding new treatments to help sufferers and if caught early the odds are always better.
You may already have seen this but have found this site very helpful..
http://www.cancerhelp.org.uk/help/default.asp?page...
I hope its not cancer and instead something easily treatable. Good luck.
Kev
Christiaan said:
He had a colonoscopy and had the offending polyp removed, Histology proved it to have cancerous elements.
not a nice thing to have, unless of course, you like that sort of thing 
(the scope that is), plus, only the one polyp? thats quite rare only to have a singular, as normaly, unless its caught just as its starting up, it spreads and develops quite nasterly.hope everyone involved in this thread gets better and gets sorted, its never a nice thing to have.
If you want to email me offline please do. I'll explain if you do.
My advice is to learn as much as you can yourself. A lot of doctors are retards. I say that with my Father, Brother, and Sister all being doctors (they are not retards for the record). The stories I could tell you from first hand experience, and from my family would shock you to the core. Read, read, read. Be ready to challenge your doctor and if you think they are talking s
t, they probably are. Get scans double checked (you are entitled to a second opinion).
On the positive side if caught early signs are good. If not, its not all over (again I could tell you some remarkable stories).
Stay positive, it will help your father and encourage him to talk about it. Cancer can be a lonely place, he'll need your support especially if he doesn't ask for it.
My advice is to learn as much as you can yourself. A lot of doctors are retards. I say that with my Father, Brother, and Sister all being doctors (they are not retards for the record). The stories I could tell you from first hand experience, and from my family would shock you to the core. Read, read, read. Be ready to challenge your doctor and if you think they are talking s
t, they probably are. Get scans double checked (you are entitled to a second opinion).On the positive side if caught early signs are good. If not, its not all over (again I could tell you some remarkable stories).
Stay positive, it will help your father and encourage him to talk about it. Cancer can be a lonely place, he'll need your support especially if he doesn't ask for it.
Hobo
I can't comment on the specifics of your case. But, my mother developed Crohn's disease 15 years ago which went undiagnosed by her GP, resulting in her bowel rupturing. As a result, they removed her bowel and she went on to live a relatively normal life. It really had little effect on her day to day life - the bowel is an organ we can live without, subject to a collostomy bag.
I really do hope all goes well.
I can't comment on the specifics of your case. But, my mother developed Crohn's disease 15 years ago which went undiagnosed by her GP, resulting in her bowel rupturing. As a result, they removed her bowel and she went on to live a relatively normal life. It really had little effect on her day to day life - the bowel is an organ we can live without, subject to a collostomy bag.
I really do hope all goes well.
At 64 my dad had a cancerous tumour that completely blocked his bowel resulting in a ruptured bowel and peretonitis.
A large section of his bowel was removed although he didn't get a colostomy/ bag.
He's now 84 and in good physical health although suffering from dementia. He had at least 16 years of good life following a very serious and life threatening cancer.
If you've caught it early ( as your family seem to) the prognosis is reasonably good, and the frequent checkups in the years following the giagnosis and operation will catch the polyps and unusual cell sites.
Keep positive, as suggested do your research, and be strong for your family.
Cheers,
Tony
PS Cancer care and treatment has moved on a great deal in the last 20 years so make use of those advances and don't fall prey to the NHS postcode lottery.
A large section of his bowel was removed although he didn't get a colostomy/ bag.
He's now 84 and in good physical health although suffering from dementia. He had at least 16 years of good life following a very serious and life threatening cancer.
If you've caught it early ( as your family seem to) the prognosis is reasonably good, and the frequent checkups in the years following the giagnosis and operation will catch the polyps and unusual cell sites.
Keep positive, as suggested do your research, and be strong for your family.
Cheers,
Tony
PS Cancer care and treatment has moved on a great deal in the last 20 years so make use of those advances and don't fall prey to the NHS postcode lottery.
I think everyone, moreso my father, simply want to know what it is we are dealing with as at that point you can plan ways to progress. At the moment though its all just in limbo.
Scans have been done, and meeting consultant later this week. Fingers crossed for good news.
My dad is a stubborn type, never showing any hurt but I know this has really upset him. I hated to see my father cry as we came out of the hospital first time. He's never been ill so think he thought he was immune.
We will however deal with this & get through it.
Scans have been done, and meeting consultant later this week. Fingers crossed for good news.
My dad is a stubborn type, never showing any hurt but I know this has really upset him. I hated to see my father cry as we came out of the hospital first time. He's never been ill so think he thought he was immune.
We will however deal with this & get through it.
Sorry to hear this mate.
Hopefully it's nothing serious.
Google for Cancer Backup. They will send you a free pack. It helped IMMENSELY when my Dad got Prostate Cancer. I cannot commend them to you enough.
The filthy vile thing got him in the end, but not before he'd reached 76, and we were blessed with the chance to say everything that needed to be said.
Learn all you can, and be there for him. As has been said, cancer is a lonely place. He will need you. BE THERE FOR HIM.
I wish you both the best.
About two years ago my Mum was presenting with all the symptoms of bowel cancer.
She was taken in to hospital and after many tests, a lump was found on her large intestine.
My mum has 40 years of medical experience and seemed to be preparing herself for unpleasant news. When the offending lump was removed, it looked like cancer but we had to wait a few days for it to be confirmed. She kept this to herself and didn't tell me what had been found because she didn't think I could take it. For a few days she had that thought in her head and had to deal with it on her own
I am pleased to say that the lump turned out to be a rare fatty growth (non-cancerous) and my mum has made a full recovery since her surgery. The main affect of her becoming ill is that we are now very close. She is right, I would have been devastated had it been cancer! I now see this as a second chance and am doing my best to show my mum how much I care
Good luck OP, I hope everything goes OK for you and your Dad
She was taken in to hospital and after many tests, a lump was found on her large intestine.
My mum has 40 years of medical experience and seemed to be preparing herself for unpleasant news. When the offending lump was removed, it looked like cancer but we had to wait a few days for it to be confirmed. She kept this to herself and didn't tell me what had been found because she didn't think I could take it. For a few days she had that thought in her head and had to deal with it on her own
I am pleased to say that the lump turned out to be a rare fatty growth (non-cancerous) and my mum has made a full recovery since her surgery. The main affect of her becoming ill is that we are now very close. She is right, I would have been devastated had it been cancer! I now see this as a second chance and am doing my best to show my mum how much I care
Good luck OP, I hope everything goes OK for you and your Dad
Been told that the cancer is too far spread to operate. First batch of Chemo didn't have any effect, however during the period the cancer did not grow very much at all.
He has since had radiotherapy and is due to start a second lot of Chemo in the next few weeks.
No one in the family has asked the question how far spread the cancer is, as my father doesn't want to know, and my mother and sister simply wouldn't be able to keep it from him if they did. I am tempted to ask but if I stay behind when we see the consultant then they will want to know what I was asking and they will pretty much know it will be this. I would just like to know there thoughts on timescales, etc, should treatment have no effect.
My dad was taken into hospital day before yesterday as his temperature went up to 38.8, and he was vomiting and shaking. He's been kept in, more than likely for rest of week, whilst they undertake tests to find our what is causing this, however he, and us, have no idea whether this is simply a bug, a side effect to chemo/radiotherapy, or something worse.
The not knowing is the worst part, as I genuinly believe if you know what you are up against you can deal with it far better.
He has since had radiotherapy and is due to start a second lot of Chemo in the next few weeks.
No one in the family has asked the question how far spread the cancer is, as my father doesn't want to know, and my mother and sister simply wouldn't be able to keep it from him if they did. I am tempted to ask but if I stay behind when we see the consultant then they will want to know what I was asking and they will pretty much know it will be this. I would just like to know there thoughts on timescales, etc, should treatment have no effect.
My dad was taken into hospital day before yesterday as his temperature went up to 38.8, and he was vomiting and shaking. He's been kept in, more than likely for rest of week, whilst they undertake tests to find our what is causing this, however he, and us, have no idea whether this is simply a bug, a side effect to chemo/radiotherapy, or something worse.
The not knowing is the worst part, as I genuinly believe if you know what you are up against you can deal with it far better.
Hobo,
My grandmother has bowel cancer and we were told about 3 weeks ago that it is terminal. She originally had the op to remove the tumor and was on chemo as well but it has returned and there is nothing further that can be done.
Today we had the Macmillan nurse round and she was excellent. It took ages for her to visit due to a total cock-up at the GP's surgery but she was wonderful with my grandma. Extremely kind and easy to talk to, just what she needs at this time.
I would definitely recommend speaking to your father's GP about this as a possibility, if the worst scenario is confirmed. My grandma has got weaker and weaker this month and it's been hard for my mum and me to cope at times due to work etc.
During the appointments we had with her consultant I was the one that stayed behind to ask the questions you mention and my Grandma and Mother probably knew what I was asking each time.
At the final appointment, the Consultant told us all (in a very kind manner) that there was nothing further that could be done. I stayed behind and asked about timeframes etc. I am glad I did because I know it's not going to be long and I am now even more focused in ensuring that I am there to spend time with her etc before I never can again.
I wish you, your father and family all the best. I hope that it works out for you all.
My grandmother has bowel cancer and we were told about 3 weeks ago that it is terminal. She originally had the op to remove the tumor and was on chemo as well but it has returned and there is nothing further that can be done.
Today we had the Macmillan nurse round and she was excellent. It took ages for her to visit due to a total cock-up at the GP's surgery but she was wonderful with my grandma. Extremely kind and easy to talk to, just what she needs at this time.
I would definitely recommend speaking to your father's GP about this as a possibility, if the worst scenario is confirmed. My grandma has got weaker and weaker this month and it's been hard for my mum and me to cope at times due to work etc.
During the appointments we had with her consultant I was the one that stayed behind to ask the questions you mention and my Grandma and Mother probably knew what I was asking each time.
At the final appointment, the Consultant told us all (in a very kind manner) that there was nothing further that could be done. I stayed behind and asked about timeframes etc. I am glad I did because I know it's not going to be long and I am now even more focused in ensuring that I am there to spend time with her etc before I never can again.
I wish you, your father and family all the best. I hope that it works out for you all.
If he's been on chemo recently then the shaking and vomiting might be (just)an infection. The chemo lowers the immune system and infections that are normally shaken off easily can get out of hand and need hospital treatment with antibiotics. You have to take a great deal of care to avoid infections, food poisoning, and fungal infections while on chemo. There's nothing I can say that others haven't said - it's a rotten time and many of us have first hand experience of it too. Make the most of the time you have with him, and be grateful for your own good health - age and failing health come all to quickly.
Edited by motco on Thursday 18th February 15:47
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