What To Expect

My Dad is 70 and has just had colon surgery to remove a lemon sized tumor, the surgen said he was in stage 4 metastisis when it spreads, but we dont know any more, the doctors wont cooperate in giving any information, i dont understand how they can act so cold hearted.
He goes to the cancer center on Aug. 5th to find out whats next, like chemo etc... maybe they can tell us more.

My dad retired and sold his business in Jan this year (2005) In Feb. was told he needed open heart surgery, he did really good thru that, then diabetes hit him hard, now colon cancer, he has had a rough 6 months of retirement and not had the chance to enjoy a day of it, now we're blind sided by this and dont know how he will be able to cope with the treatments, he was still weak from the heart surgery and the diabetes, I just cant see how he can survive the chemo/radi at his age and condition.

He too has the constapation and stomach swelling which was the problem before he found out he had cancer, now three weeks later he has the same problem and the doctor says no stool softners and gives no assurance of any kind, not sure what to make of all this.

Can anyone please help me shed some lite on all of this.

Thank you

Adam C.

If the doctors are not giving you the information that they are legally (if not humanly) required to give you...if they are not helping you seek solutions - find new doctors. We had wonderful luck at universities - if there is one close to you with a cancer program, seek it out. Make calls, beg, plead, do what you need to get him seen ASAP so they can get this cared for. You are your father's voice at this time when he may be too scared to speak for himself. Be his advocate. Make him real to doctors, create relationships, research and get him the help he so deserves. Good luck. You’ll be in my prayers.

HELLO Adam, I just read you email from a few weeks ago. Sorry about your Dad. I am a 65 yr old lady who was diagnosed with colon cancer 6/23/2004 and had surgery the next day where they removed 1 foot of my colon. I had mets to two lymph nodes, but not any other organ!! I went on folfox 4 for 6 mos. My side affects: extreme fatigue, weight gain (I also had steroids in the premeds), diarrhea, could not touch cold things or have cold drinks. The most important side affect to look for is a dry hacking cough. If your dad gets that, have the chemo stopped immediately and have a lung dr check his lungs. I told my oncologist about the cough and he told me that it was not the chemo, but it was. I now have a lung disease. I have been on oxygen since the end of March and am now in rehab.n I don't know if I will ever be able to live alone again! I get so out of breath, even with oxygen, whenever I exert myself. Good luck with your Dad! Barbara