Hello Vikdust and thank you for posting on cancer chat

I am sorry to hear about the situation your mum has found herself and can understand you having some questions.

I think it is understandable your mum not wanting to risk her independence and quality of life for surgery. It is never easy making a decision not to have treatment but it is important every patient weighs up the pros and cons for them to make the best choice for them, at that time.

As you say the doctors cannot say for sure if this is definitely cancer but it sounds like the scan and blood tests suggest there is a high chance this is. If this is the case then how quickly a cancer grows and spreads is very individual as every cancer behaves very differently. Some cancers are small and grow slowly whereas others can be larger and more aggressive meaning they can multiply at very fast rates. Then there are cancers that change and mutate with time.

The doctors involved in your mum's care may be able to give an idea about time frames were this to be cancer but it may be too early in the day to say for sure. As you have said it may be a matter of taking things one step at a time and seeing how your mum goes. If your mum starts to notice new symptoms or feeling less well in herself the doctor can assess her and run further tests to find out more.

I'm sorry we can't tell you much more but please get back to us if you need any more information or support.  You may find it helpful to talk things through with one of the nurses on our helpline.  The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.

Best wishes to you and your mum,

Naomi