Grandmother (89 years old) recently diagnosed with stage 2/3 bowl cancer.

As the title says, she is recently diagnosed however without a biopsy as physically unfit for colonoscopy. The consultant has talked about surgery for her, which she is currently against due to the risk to gain for someone at her age.

I suppose I have two questions which is,

a) are there are good info on people living with stage 2 (ish) bowl cancer without treatment and what this can be like for symptoms and /life expectancy?

b) we are reffering her to a social worker to have them assess her and help her with any benefits, what else would be beneficial to do in this situation? What should we ask the social worker to help outside of care/benefits? Many thanks

If you can only answer one part of this then please go ahead realise it may have been more useful to post two separate posts.

  • Hello meadowsj

    I'm sorry to hear about your Grandmother's recent diagnosis. It's understandably a worrying time for you all and natural that you want to try and support her as much as you can. 

    It's good to hear that you've already sought a referral with a social worker to discuss care and finances. As well as practical care support you may want to ask them about the provision of equipment such as mobility aids that might be helpful to your Grandmother around the home to keep her safe and make life easier. 

    The Macmillan website has some useful information about benefits and financial support that you may want to look at. There is a benefits calculator along with contact details for the financial team you can ring for advice. 

    Regarding your first question about symptoms and life expectancy, we do have some information about bowel cancer that you may want to read through. I'd also suggest talking with her doctor/care team about these questions as they will have all your Grandmother's health information available to try and give you some answers. 

    If you'd like to talk things through with one of our nurses you're welcome to call them on 0808 800 4040, Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm. 

    Best wishes, 
    Jenn
    Cancer Chat moderator