Deposits in lymph nodes.

Hi my husband recently was diagnosed with a cancerous tumour in his cecum and an operation to remove this was planned, however after an horrendous bout of pain he was admitted as an emergency and it was found that the tumour had become infected and his bowels had become impacted. The operation went well and the tumour was removed successfully, unfortunately whilst he was in hospital he ‘acquired' pneumonia which left him feeling very frail and tired and his stay had to be extended. On discharge he was informed that all the cancer had been removed and no further treatment was necessary, we have now had a call to tell us that one of his lymph nodes was found to have 'deposits' and he has been given an appointment in a few days time. He is very disappointed and wary of more treatment, please can anyone tell us what this may entail and if he should be asking any questions that we might need to ask to help him understand why this has happened. He is 84 years old and otherwise in excellent health. Thank you in advance of any help/information. 

  • Hello and thanks for your post

    I'm sorry to read about your husband. This must be a difficult time for you both.

    I'm not sure what your husband's exact situation is. But generally after bowel cancer surgery, additional (adjuvant) chemotherapy is routinely offered to patients ( who are fit enough) whose cancer has travelled to the lymph nodes (stage 3 disease). You can read more about this on Bowel Cancer UK's website by clicking here. They also have information at this link on questions he might want to ask his team.

    Your husband's doctors will explain what needs to happen next as they are familiar with all his medical details.

    I hope this is of some help. Give us a ring if you would like to talk things over. The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.

    Kind regards,

    Celene

  • Thank you so much for your reply, you obviously know what it all entails, it’s rather difficult when we don’t however we haven’t long to wait now until we see the consultant but thank you again.