Sister has Stage 4 Bowel Cancer

My sister ws diagnosed with Stage 4 Bowel cancer last October. She is very frail and need regular blood transfusions due to internal bleeding. She has a stoma now and is being treated with immunotherapy. She is three treatments into six in all and had a CT scan last week and was due for a telephone consultation for the results. However this has now been changed for a face to face consultation at the consultants request. Do you think this could be because there is negative news? 

  • Hello HeatherMary, so sorry about your sister.   a telephone consultation that has been changed to a face to face consultation does NOT necessarily mean that it is bad news.........BUT, I think that you would rather hear the truth than sugar-coating wouldn't you?  There is a definite possibility that they want to speak with your sister face to face because what they need to tell her is negative.  I sincerely hope that I am wrong, but I think that this is something you have to prepare yourself for.  Again, so sorry, Violet, x

  • As Violetgirl has said, nothing is certain. I had a scan about a year after my operation for thyroid cancer. They said they'd phone with results but then called me for a face-to-face appointment. I was freaked, but it was really good news - all clear, no sign of cancer.

    Hopefully, it doesn't mean bad news in your sister's case either. In my case, it was just a bit of confusion over what was returning in person once covid restrictions started lifting and what were continuing to be done remotely.

    It could also be that there is something the consultant wants to discuss with her and finds it better to do face-to-face. I've had that experience too, nothing serious but just something that required discussion and easier to do in person. Bad news is a possibility, but it's not the only one.

  • Thank you so much for your response, I really appreciate you time. I am keeping my fingers crossed for her but after what has been said in the past and them asking her to sign a DNAR I suppose I look on the negative side. Thank you again Violet x

  • Thank you for answering, I am so glad to hear you had positive news in your case. I can imagine why you freaked out, I think that is what we are doing but reading what you had to write heartened us somewhat. Thank you again MargaretMary and I pray you remain well.  x