I would appreciate some knowledgeable opinions as to what lies ahead for my father-in-law. Two months ago he had surgery for rectal cancer. Part of his rectum was removed along with over 10 inches of his colon. A colonostomy was not require because the doctor was able to reattach what was left. They also removed 44 lymph nodes of which 34 were cancerous. (adenocarcinoma) These nodes were not just local some were quite a distance from the primary tumor. The surgeon has recomended radiation and chemo. The Oncologists do not think my father-in-law can tolerate either because he is 84 years old. Plus he witnessed what chemo and radiation did to me for my stage IV squamous cell carcinoma at the base of my tongue and has opted not to have any treatment, but that is another story. His family is under the impression that he is cancer free because the doctor told them that he removed all of the cancer. Well, with my experience with cancer, the doctor may have removed all of the cancer he could see but with 34 cancerous nodes I am sure there are microscopic cells just about anywhere and everywhere in his body and without radiation and/or chemo it is just a matter of time before these cells become bonifide tumors. I would like to know how aggressive adenocarcinoma is and what you think of my father-in-law's prognosis. Any response would be appreciated.
Paul