96 year old right colon mass....surgery???

Posted by cherriann @cherriann, Mar 15, 2017

My 96 year old mother has a tumor in c-type shape around cecum. She had a colonscopy and no other growths were found. Symptoms were combination constipation and loose stools, but has been in relatively good health otherwise. She has lived independently in her home with wheelchair assistance until three weeks ago when hospitalized with the above symptoms that had become difficult to control. Mentally she is 100%, but is undecided on whether she should proceed with surgery to remove tumor. Family doctor is in the opinion that if tumor is left, it will eventually cause a blockage that is a difficult and painful way to end life. She has flew through the pre-op tests with no problem! Is surgery like this for a 96 year old something often done? My mother and family are turning this decision over and over. Family doctor tells us if it was his mother, he would advise her to have the surgery and risk death that way rather than risk of blockage/death. We are so conflicted - any thoughts or insight would be appreciated.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Colorectal Cancer Support Group.

Hi Cheriann,
I think you might be interested in reading @soul's message about her mom's colorectal cancer surgery. Her mom is 78 and did well with surgery. Read her story here:
- My Mom does not want to go for any surgery http://mayocl.in/2mPRg28

Have you been to see a cancer specialist? Did your doctor also talk about the possibility of other treatment option, like palliative radiation?

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Just finished reading the link you sent...thank you. No, my mom hasn't seen a cancer speciaist. She is at a small community hospital that has connections to a larger regional health facility where she would have all treatments/surgery. I'm guessing that at 96 years old, long term treatments (radiation/chemo) and their side-effects maybe aren't options? We did ask about chemo, and told risk factors would most likely cancel that out.

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@cherriann

Just finished reading the link you sent...thank you. No, my mom hasn't seen a cancer speciaist. She is at a small community hospital that has connections to a larger regional health facility where she would have all treatments/surgery. I'm guessing that at 96 years old, long term treatments (radiation/chemo) and their side-effects maybe aren't options? We did ask about chemo, and told risk factors would most likely cancel that out.

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Cheriann, I might suggest that you consult a cancer specialist. Perhaps your family doctor could consult with Mayo Clinic for a second opinion? Or you could call Mayo Clinic. Here are the contact numbers to call to inquire http://mayocl.in/1mtmR63.

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