What tests to ask for 94 year old

[Daffers123]

Hi can I please ask for some advice for my mother who is 94. Since Xmas she's lost a lot of weight and hasn't been able to go out as has to dash to loo multiple times . Not diahorrea and often just wind . She recently found blood in stool and tests show'a lot of blood', no infection, no hemmerhoids, so not looking good.

She doesn't want camera or any invasive treatments but has been referred so we can discuss with consultant whether a scan would give us any more info.

GP pretty sure it's bowel cancer. Does anyone know if a scan can tell anything ? I appreciate she's had a long life but hate the thought of her suffering. I don't know what to expect if it is bowel cancer.

Sorry for long post just looking for advice or information.

Thank you

[GCCA-Survivor Administrator]

Hi Daffers123,

Thank you for posting in Colon Cancer Connected. I'm very sorry to hear about your mother. You are an awesome daughter to help her find a path that will be most helpful.

I am a stage 4 colon cancer survivor. I am on what's called Lynch Protocol which involves an annual colonoscopy, annual CT scan and bloodwork, and an endoscopy every 3 years. I had stage 4 colon cancer which was hereditary and cancer can hide from my immune system.

I have asked the same questions as all those annual test I do are ok, but the colonoscopy is not very fun. But what the colonoscopy can reveal and determine is unique and is therefore necessary. I would love a scan or blood test to serve as surveillance, but the doctors are telling me they can't see things early enough like the coloscopy can. Nothing can see what's actually happening in the tissues like the colonoscopy. The absolute best goal is if something is going to pick a fight with me again, we catch it early.

However, I do look forward to the deep relaxation that I get from the sedative. It is so nice. The prep you have to do the day before is brutal, but I understand the need.

Overall, it's definitely necessary to determine what's going on. Your mother sounds like she is very aware of what's going on. Given that, I'd say she has a lot of life still to experience. My opinion ... I wouldn't let a colonoscopy get in the way of that. Yes, it's a miserable two days. But afterwards the recovery is usually quick and life moves on from there.

I do wish you the best in determining the path forward for your mother. It's truly a personal decision to make.

I hope there are others on this site that may chime in with some comments and experiences.

All our best,

~Tom, GCCA Survivor - Colon Cancer Connected Site Administrator.

Just a reminder - this group is here to offer support, share experiences, and offer our thoughts - but this is not medical advice, and you should always consult your medical professional(s). Additionally, for all emergencies, seek urgent medical care, never delay.

[Daffers123 in reply to GCCA-Survivor]

many thanks for such a kind reply

[Nathan53]

Sorry to hear your Mother is having these difficulties which will be worrying for you as well. I found the attached article which looks at tge pros and cons of colonscopy in the elderly. academic.oup.com/bmb/articl... Mother had similar symptoms which happened suddenly although she had been losing weight for some time. My Mother also had dementia but was able to understand the options. She decided not to have any investigations as she didn't want to endure more discomfort. Her GP also pointed out that it would inevitably be traumatic to undergo investigations then the dilemma of chemo/radiation or surgery on quality of life. Just giving you brief insight into my experience as we are all different. You could discuss with a cancer nurse from Mcmillan or cancer.org

It's a big responsibility when wee look after ageing parents. Iff she has a care package ask to have it reviewed.

[Daffers123 in reply to Nathan53]

Thanks so much Nathan, Im sorry to hear that your mother had to go through same process. I will talk to the GP as at moment there is no care package, and also try and some info from MacMillan

[Nathan53 in reply to Daffers123]

Sourcing and achieving a care package has become more difficult however despite councils being in dire straights financially they still gave a legal obligation. Age UK are usually helpful ageuk.org.uk/information-ad... luck and don't hesitate to message me if you want to ask anything.

[Nathan53 in reply to Daffers123]

Also Age UK can give advice on State Benefits such as attendance allowance for your Mother

[Daffers123 in reply to Nathan53]

thanks so much for the info and advice. We n ow have a dignosis, the consultant found a rectal tumor in the mid part when he examined her yesterday. He is very experienced and was sure it was cancerous and advised her to just live with it rather than interventions. It was what we expected but nevertheless an awful blow. Next step palliative care nurses.

[Nathan53 in reply to Daffers123]

You have done so well to get the diagnosis, not what anyone ever wants to hear but you can make plans knowing what you are dealing with. Thinking of you and please look after yourself too

[bantam12]

Even with scans she would need to take the bowel prep which she may find difficult, it’s hard work for anyone but at 94 she may find it very unpleasant. I think you have to be guided by her consultant and her wishes.

[Daffers123]

yes you are quite right about the prep. Many thanks for replying

[Sunshine8240]

Sorry to read this Daffers123 and that she just has to live with it. Let's hope palliative care will give her the best support and quality of life xx