Hello to a thoughtful Caregiver,
I have to write, even though you may not be checking this since so much time has apssed since you posted. i am a Rectal Cancer survivor of 15 years. I was stage 4 & my future looked bleak at best. But through great Drs. & aggressive treatment i am still here and watched my daughter graduate from High School this week.
I am really here write about my sister. She had a large benign tumor in her acending colon. due to family history - LOTS of cancer and the size the Dr. felt it was precancerous & should be removed during surgery - too much danger of cells spreading during a colonoscopy.
The bottom line - the best Drs. at New York Hospital performed laporoscopic surgery & left my sister with an artey that bled a quart of blood into her bowel & body cavity, an infection from the surgery that caused her bowel to twist.... 3 surgeries later - with a different Dr.!!!!,, an ostomy... and many other complications she is finally O.K.
Laporoscopic is the "new & improved" - but it hasn't been around that long & lots can go wrong. How many has your Dr. performed? This is just one syory, but I wanted to honest. For me the bottom line is get the cancer the safest way possible.
Best of luk to you and your mother. 15 years and counting :-)