Possible stage???

[concerned_daughter_36]

My dad (age 72) had a colonscopy on Tuesday. The tumor he has is so large they could not use a standard scope and needed to use a pediatric scope. Of course at the time the gastroenterologist spoke to us I was in such shock I did not ask questions such as the size of the tumor, or whether lymph nodes were infected or not. The doctor indicated the tumor is quite large, that has been growing out of control for a while and has probably been there for about 10 years. It has almost entirely blocked off his upper rectal area. He has had severe back pain for over a year and has lost about 30 pounds in the last 18 months and is tired all the time and has bouts of severe abdominal pain. This is all the more frustrating as he goes for medicals every year and the blood in his stools have always been passed off as his hemorrhoids by his previous GP for year. His old GP retired and he has a new one that requested the scope when all three occult blood test came back positive.

Anyone have a similar story as I am wondering at the probably stage he is at? I know other test are necessary to confirm this, the surgeon they have referred him to is on holidays until Monday so hoping he gets in quickly to see him.

Thanks for any guidance.

[concerned_daughter_36]

Hi Lana

He had the scope done on Tuesday and the doctor's office had the biopsy results back on Thursday. My concern now is that the first appointment to the surgeon is to have another colonoscopy by the surgeon this time. I don;t think this is routine and am wondering if it is because he thinks the tumor is inoperable. Anyone else have a repeat scope down by the surgeon after initial diagnosis. He goes for a CTscan on Wednesday and an ultrasound on Friday this week.

Hope everything is okay with your father, Lana.

Take care

[lana99]

Hi, I am also concerned about my father, who is 75 and had his 1st colonoscopy Last Monday. Hopefully your dad will be ok. I've heard that if it is an early stage this cancer can be operated, and then after a course of chemo the prognosis is not bad. I have a question - how long did you wait till biopsy results came? My father's appointment is next Tuesday 8/14, and I'm going crazy :(
Wish your father best of luck!!!

[concerned_daughter_36]

Hi Christopher

Yes this was his first colonoscopy, he has never had one before and has never been recommended for one. My father is fairly compliant with doctor recommendations. The biopsy came back as an invasive, low grade adenocarnicoma, that has penetrated his colon wall.

Waiting for an appointment to see the surgeon and get CT scans completed.

Thanks

[Christopher R Watters, MD]

Was this actually his first colonoscopy? I am assuming t hat he wasn't refusing them previously. He wasn't even getting the recommended screening studies not to mention ignoring obvious symptoms to indicate the exam. I know this doesn't help now but the vast majority of colon cancer is preventable if primary care physicians would only insist on standard screening studies.

[mammo]

It was very negligent for your dad's doctor to have never sent him for a colonoscopy when there is blood in his stools, we can never just assume it's hemorrhoids.  It's difficult to say what your dad's prognosis is but as his daughter you should be able to call his doctor and ask the questions that you need answered so badly.  This is such a shame as it could have been prevented. His doctor will understand your concerns so don't hesitate to call him. I wish you and your dad all the best and do take care.