I was wondering if anyone could tell me what to expect.. My Mum who is 80 and who is living with Alzheimers & a colostomy bag after previous surgery for bowel cancer has recently had a MRI scan that indentified further investigation needed as a large Polop needs removing from the site of the original tumour. When my Mum went for endoscopy they found that is was too large to remove and have taken biopsies and advised that it will need to be removed piecemeal and I should wait for another appointment. After the MRI, as well as recommending this course of treatment - they also said that there was something identifed on the lung, and they would be having a Multi Agency meeting to discuss their findings and next steps. We have been referred to my Mum's original colorectal consultant for an appointment to discuss which is approaching 27th June but I have been waiting for what feels like a really long time - and I can't get any further information from GP or the hosptial on what this is likely to mean. Its very difficult as my Mum has fluctuating capacity, so sometimes understands, "I'm going back to the beginning" and then states that theere is nothing wrong with her! She is well". This is all filling me with a sense of foreboding. I am struggling to get through the days, as this has some at the end of a very stressful period as my Mum requires full time live in care. I live 200 miles away from her. My Mum also has a cough, undiagnosed COPD possibly? and has had two bouts of pnemonia that required hospitalisation, hence the full time care live in. On top of this, I am sole POA, and this has caused me to be estranged from my brother and family that live locally so all decision making is my responsilbity and I have to make a decision about moving my Mum into a care home due to funds. It has always been her wish to remain at home but her funds will not allow for home care for more than another 6 months, however if diagnosis of Lung cancer or secondary bowel cancer is likely - I would then take equity out of the house so she could remain there to the end. Sorry - long post but its a complicated situation as im not sure how I will break this news to Mum - or indeed if she should be told although I don't imagine that my Mum's doctor will speak to me without my Mum being present. Has anyone had experience of anything similar either re what is happening with tests etc or explaining to someone with Alzeimers that their cancer has returned?
