Hi Doodlelove. Welcome to the forum.

To the best of my knowledge, everyone who is going to have a planned operation is assessed for their fitness. This is usually called a pre-operative assessment, and it's common practice. I've had two general anaesthetic procedures in the last 10 years, and each time I was given a thorough medical a week or so before. 

Thank you for your reply.  He has consultation with surgeon in diary.  Prior to that he has to go in to be assessed on a bike and a treadmill and the results of that will be given to the surgeon and used in her decision making.  

I can understand your worry but it makes sense that the surgeon has to be sure that your dad is fit enough to stand the stresses of the operation to be carried out.  Try to have faith that they want to do the best for your dad and not make things worse by carrying out a procedure that his body could not stand.  Best wishes to you and your dad.  Annie

Hi, my dad underwent bowel surgery last year, He had almost a total blockage when admitted and had to have planned emergency surgery 7days later due to being on blood thinners. I was always under the impression my dad 78 would be refused any major surgery due to having a stroke 20years previous, I felt the surgeon was trying to talk his way out of going ahead  but In my eyes he would die without the tumour being removed and we take our chances.

By the time he had surgery his health had deteriorated so much he was not passing anything and bed ridden ,he spent 4weeks in hospital in total but still here with me today. Due to the large tumour being removed it has left him with some incontinence issues. I'm forever greatful to the surgeon for giving him the chance. Wishing you best of luck x

 18 minutes ago

Hi. It's been a while since my last post. After several meetings with surgeon and a pre op assessment today it is confirmed that my lovely Dad will not be given surgery. They believe that with his pre existing heart and lung issues he will most likely not survive the surgery or will not recover sufficiently to have quality of life. We are obviously devastated. Dad has just turned 79. His cancer is stage 2, no spread and high up on the right side of his bowel. The only symptom at the moment is anemia. We are now awaiting an appointment back with surgeon in the new year once she has had today's report to discuss options. What options does he have? How long does it take for stage 2 to develop to stage3 and beyond? I cannot believe they will just leave him while this cancer progresses? 

This is mimicking my dads story at the moment. 
he is 79 had a heart op 2 years  ago the surgeon said he had a 2nd chance of life go live it, he’s on no heart tablets he has diabetes and one foot amputation but is still fit and active as he’s cli ed all his life. The consultant doesn’t want him to have op so sent up for heart scan then to see the anaesthetist and the anaesthetist said fine let’s get you on the cancellation list asap and get lling with this op. Also the colorectal nurse said she can see no reason to not have the Op and shes  putting him forward for it.Then I had a phone call 2 days ago to say the consultant is against t s. I want to see a second anaesthetist!!! Why?? Shes had the answers and everyone else is for it. I even said to her the dr on ward wanted to get dad in asap but u stopped it she said he was only a *** and he’s gone now anyway. It just doesn’t seem right

Hi Doodlelove,

just been through it all - 54 years old so a lot younger - its tough, but OK - i can understand the risk - chemo can cure 25% of tumours - but is harder than the surgery - i had both. happy for a chat if you have questions. i hope dads ok !

Simon