Lymphoma?

[cowboy51]

My 86 year old mother had her colonoscopy done in Sept. and the dr. found a mass in her colon. He also did a CT scan which showed a mass in the pancreas area, so he thought it may be pancreatic cancer. She went to an oncologist, who thought she looked too good to have pancreatic cancer and thought it may be lymphoma. He suggested a needle biopsy, but she refused, as she was afraid an invasive procedure may make it spread faster. He also did the blood test, CA 19-9, which came back good, at 19. At this point she has no pain, although a bit of back ache. She is now going the route of "Wait and Watch". The oncologist suggested to have another CT scan done 3 months from ther first one to compare them. Does anybody have any comments, suggestions, or other helpful information? Also, she had cat scratch fever two years ago. I don't know if that would have any effect on the lymph system now, as she was on strong antibiotics then.

[DocB]

Your mother is 86. If there are no problems your Doc gave you the proper course of action. See what happens in another 2-3 months.

[cowboy51]

Follow-up: My mother just had another CT scan, and the mass in the pancreas area hasn't changed, or is a slight bit smaller after three months. The CA19-9 and CEA blood tests are both normal. She has a cancer in the transverse colon, which the doctor would like to remove with surgery, but at her age, mom is afraid to undergo surgery, although otherwise she is in good health. When they did the first CT in September, they thought it was pancreas cancer and didn't give her much hope. But now that it hasn't grown, we don't know what to do. She won't have a biopsy, so we don't even know if it is cancer, but we do know the colon tumor is cancerous. The doctor wants her to have another CT scan done in 4 months, but hates to have her wait on the colon, but at this point she refuses surgery. I hate to see her wait until the colon cancer gets out of control, before she does anything. Is there any stories out there both for and against colon surgery?

[Lady Kentuckian]

My Dad developed colon cancer at age 84. He too refused to have surgery and he passed away a year later. My Dad's health was otherwise good and I truly believe if he had had the surgery, he would still be alive today. My Dad did not have much pain, but he gradually lost appetite, started bleeding rectally, and basically just wasted away.
If your mother's health is basically good, she should consider having the surgery. If caught early, colon cancer is very treatable.
My father-in-law developed colon cancer at age 70. He had the surgery which involved removing the sigmoid section of his colon. His cancer had spread to the fatty tissue outside the colon. Since it had not spread beyond the fatty tissue, he did not have to have any chemotherapy or radiation. It is now 15 years since his surgery and he has remained cancer free. The only problem he has since the surgery is the need to take metamucil for constipation.
Good luck to you and your mother. God Bless!

[JanieB]

Hi Colon Cancer is curable when treated early...If left it has a tendancie to spread to the liver which is then not curable...My friends husband has had most of his bowel removed and a bag fitted...The surgery was very painful but he is in full health now....Hes 75....that was over two years ago.....At 84 there is a risk with the surgery and also the chemotherapy given as adjuvent therapy..... With Mum the decision has got to be hers, treatments are getting better... See whats available now.... We wish you love and luck, Our thoughts are with you....My husband had a large tumour removed from the small intestine 3 and a half years ago followed by Chemo....It took its toll on him and he was only 34...please talk to your Mum, dont force her to have surgery or chemo if she wishes to live the rest of her life with some dignity...I have just lost my Mum....She was given the choice of Chemo, they said it could prelong her life by a few months...She choose not to have it.....She was only 66....She was kept pain free with Morphine .... Please chat to your Mum and tell her that you will support whatever decision shes makes......Your love is the best support and medicine ....take care Janie xoxoxoxoxo