Bowel cancer

[malpal]

My Mum has had an op three weeks ago to remove part of her bowel. She, apparently, has not ben given a prognosis yet and is due to go back to the hospital this next ueday. I can't believe that the wouldleave you waiting all that time if they've already had the CTscan results and the bit of bowel Do you think perhaps that she has had the prognosis and is not telling me. CAn it really take 3 weeks? Thank you.

[bednobs]

yes, appointments can really take three weeks, and often a lot longer. pathological samples have to be tested and reported on, sometimes sent ff to other hspitals for analysis. other factors have to be taken into consideration, eg how well your mum feels, how well she is recovering from the operation. Plus waiting lists mean that you cant get an appointment as quickly as you mght like

[veryhotcook]

I am afraid it can take this long. My father was diagnosed nearly 2 years ago and underwent a large operation to remove part of the colon\bowel, a hemicolectomy. He was given 3-6 months but am happy to report he is fit and well and painting our gates at the moment, and he is aged 85! His first diagnoses was not made until he had actually obstructed. He had just received the results of his scan days before after a 2 month wait. He jokingly said, "maybe they were hoping I would snuff it and save themselves a big op"! They were adamant after the op that it had spread to his spleen, (very unusual in colon cancer) and then to his bones. Each time he has had a scan he has had to wait up to a month for the results. However they are so far wrong and no further signs of cancer have been detected anywhere. So, it could take up to 3 weeks for the results of the histology etc to come through. Plus it is the consultant who will discuss the findings with Mum, or one of his minions and cannot be given over the phone or by letter.
However there is also the chance that she is keeping something from you. Wait until the appointment and go with her if at all possible, it has been proved that only a few words of what is said to patients in these circumstances are absorbed, and they are usually in the wrong order! Try to get the time to sit and talk with Mum about her fears and express yours too. This is a time for support and understanding but only if she wants it. Give her every opportunity to be honest about her feelings, but at the end of the day it is her life and she must deal with this in the way that suits her best. Good luck with the appointment, I really pray that all your worry is for nothing, and if not do not despair as my Dad as proved every Dr wrong so far! Be positive and God bless.

[malpal]

Thank you very much for your answers. I am very upset at the moment. I'll put things into better perspective after Tuesday I think whether the news is good or bad. My Mum and Dad are independent to the point of complete stubborness and refuse point blank to let anyone help them in any way at all. The only thing I'm allowed to do is to cook some pasta for the chickens!!! I realise that this is their way but it still upsets me. But there again it's her I should think of and not look at it from a selfish angle. I'll post again after Tuesday and maybe I'll be able to tell you good news. Thank you again for your kind thoughts.

[smudge]

Sorry to hear about your Mum malpal & hope that it will be good news for her & your family very soon.

Take care. -x-

[cruella]

Hi malpal
I am so sorry to hear about your Mum's illness.
As a previous aber mentioned, it would be the Consultant that would give your Mum the results of her scan and it would be a matter of when he is available to consult with your Mum.
They do have to juggle their out-patient clinics and their operating timetable, so I think three weeks is quite normal. Not to the patients who are anxious for the results though.
I am going through the same type of thing with my Hubby at the moment. he got part ways through his chemo and due to the nast side-effects, the Consultant called a halt to it last week. We were prepared to go on with it, the second chemo treatment in 3 years, but the decision was taken from us.
We now have to wait until january until Hubby goes in for another op to find out if the chemo has worked or not.
Just be patient and take a day at a time.
Keep us posted how things go. x