Diagnosed with Ovarian and Colon Cancer

Hi - what a difficult road. I’m so sorry. I do want to make sure that your mom was tested for Lynch Syndrome – an inherited genetic predisposition to cancer. Both ovarian and colon cancers are common. Please find out from her doctor whether she was tested or not. She may not have it, but she should definitely be tested. If she does have it, her children, each have a 50% chance of inheriting it. (I have it and so do both of my children. We are screened regularly to catch anything early.)

Thank you for your concern. When the doctor disclosed the diagnosis of my mother's stage 4 colon cancer, we were advised that my siblings, especially before they turn 50, should undergo testing. In my case, I was also recommended to be tested for prostate and colon cancer. Additionally, my elder sibling battled stage 2 breast cancer, underwent surgery, completed chemotherapy, and is currently recovering well with regular medication.

Currently, our family is deliberating whether to proceed with my mother's chemotherapy due to her fragile state. Recently, she experienced severe stomach pains and vomiting, leading us to rush her to the ER where she received dextrose and potassium. Given her advanced stage, chemotherapy remains an option, yet considering her weakened condition, managing its side effects poses a challenge.

Do you believe it would be wise for us to revisit her doctor to discuss her current state and reassess whether she can endure chemotherapy?

Thank you for your concern. When the doctor disclosed the diagnosis of my mother's stage 4 colon cancer, we were advised that my siblings, especially before they turn 50, should undergo testing. In my case, I was also recommended to be tested for prostate and colon cancer. Additionally, my elder sibling battled stage 2 breast cancer, underwent surgery, completed chemotherapy, and is currently recovering well with regular medication.

Currently, our family is deliberating whether to proceed with my mother's chemotherapy due to her fragile state. Recently, she experienced severe stomach pains and vomiting, leading us to rush her to the ER where she received dextrose and potassium. Given her advanced stage, chemotherapy remains an option, yet considering her weakened condition, managing its side effects poses a challenge.

Do you believe it would be wise for us to revisit her doctor to discuss her current state and reassess whether she can endure chemotherapy?

Hi - just want to be sure I was clear - I was recommending germline genetic testing. I’m including a link for more information.

And I’m so sorry that I can’t answer your gut-wrenching question. I’m not sure there’s any way to know. I think you have to go with your mom’s wishes.

I can’t post the actual link, but this may help:
www cancer.govnews-events/cancer-currents-blog/2023/germline-testing-for-cancer-underused

@msmarcy, I noticed that you wished to post a URL to an article with your post. You will be able to add URLs to your posts in a few days. There is a brief period where new members can't post links. We do this to deter spammers and keep the community safe.

Allow me to post it for you:
- Few People with Cancer Undergo Testing for Inherited Gene Mutations https://www.cancer.gov/news-events/cancer-currents-blog/2023/germline-testing-for-cancer-underused

Msmarcy, you mention that you have Lynch syndrome. Has regular cancer screening detected any cancers for you or your children?

Thank you for posting the link!

Yes – screening has identified several cancers. After I found out I have Lynch, my aunt got tested and found it too. At her first screening they found early stage kidney cancer.

My daughter found pre-cancerous polyps at age 31, more than a decade before she would normally have a colonoscopy.

And I’m in the middle of a possible rectal cancer diagnosis right now. I was having symptoms and moved my annual colonoscopy 2 months earlier. If I didn’t know I had Lynch, I probably would’ve waited several more months before doing something!