Ask Me Help Desk - Bowel cancer

Bowel cancer

My dad was recently diagnosed with bowel cancer but he doesn't seem tob every clued up on his treatment all I know is he goes in for an op next week and may or may not have to wear a bag for life. He doesn't seem to be asking very many questions about his condition and other than a scan showing it hasn't spread further I don't know much else doe s anyone have a general prognosis or advice on how to cope we stay several hundred miles apart so it not like I can visit often worried sick hardly slept since we found out

If he can't or doesn't want to ask appropriate questions then you will have to be with him through the operation and after to ask the doctor about his care. If he is your dad, then this is what you should do without question.

Quote:

Originally Posted by hettie

my dad was recently diagnosed with bowel cancer but he doesnt seem tob every clued up on his treatment all I know is he goes in for an op next week and may or may not have to wear a bag for life. He doesnt seem to be asking very many questions about his condition and other than a scan showing it hasnt spread further I dont know much else doe s anyone have a general prognosis or advice on how to cope we stay several hundred miles apart so it not like i can visit often worried sick hardly slept since we found out

Unfortuneatly, I lost my father to colon cancer on 07/04/06. He was 70 at the time of diagnosis and died at 71. He too , did not ask very many questions. I took it upon myself to make sure I went with him to the doctor whenever possible and I ask the questions and brought a pen and paper to write down the info and all the Doctors contact info. The recovery alone after the initial surgery is long, slow and painful. I helped clean the incision for him daily and made sure he followed ALL the Dr's instructions on following a strict diet once he was allowed food again. Sometimes I think older folks don't want to be a "Pain" to anyone, so they don't ask... you do it for him, and keep other family members informed as needed, so they can perhaps also assist in caring for him going forward. God bless you both and I will pray you have a better outcome than my family.