Aunt w/problems again - Cancer: Colon Message Board

flintrock · 07-13-2006, 10:18 PM

Well, if you all remember my elderly aunt had colon cancer surgery in January and they removed a large mass that she had for 3 years and wouldn't do anything about. She's been in the hospital twice since then. Her red blood count was low a month ago, they put her in the hospital and gave her blood. She had a blockage then and they cleared that up and she went home. Well now, she's been home 2 weeks and went back in today due to a blockage of some type. Surgeon said it could be scar tissue. Scar tissue forms that quick?? She couldnt uninate or have a BM. They put in a catheter and tube to her stomach to pump out. she will find out tomorrow if she needs surgery. They did scans and x-rays and someone told her that she had two staples left in there from surgery, but it was OK, it wouldn't hurt anything. Now, why in the world would 2 staples be left in there if they were supposed to be removed with the rest of them?? I am not happy with her care thus far, and not sure what to do. Any suggestions on this blockage? I just can't believe it's scar tissue.

flintrock · 07-14-2006, 09:03 AM

This morning the doctor said he thinks the cancer has spread to her liver and back. I didn't believe the scare tissue bit anyway. If they open her up again, I'm not sure she'll survive.....

flintrock · 07-14-2006, 08:16 PM

Well, now after all the scans, x rays and tests, doctor says she's clear as can be...not sure why the blockage occured. Doesn't think the cancer is the problem. Says he will take all the tubes out tomorrow and let her eat and seewhat happens. She hasn't eaten a bite since Wednesday..........

flintrock · 07-15-2006, 09:57 AM

Now they say they're leaving the tubes in and will do another x ray this eveing and the doc will prob do surgery in the morning. He thinks he seems something on her liver, which is prob the cancer...........sorry to keep adding to my post, but I have gotten no responses....anyone????

hiswife1 · 07-17-2006, 12:46 PM

I am so sorry that your aunt is still having so many problems. Is this the same doctor that is saying one thing one day and something different the next day? I am sorry, but I don't remember, have they done a pet scan on your aunt? If so this would show the tumor in her liver and they could be pretty sure that it was cancer from that. Is he a specialist in cancer that has spread to the liver? Our doctors all told us that you needed a liver specialist to perform surgery on the liver. I would definately ask for some more test before I would let him open her up again and also for a second opinion. I will keep her in my prayers.