Expert: Claes-Gustaf Nordquist, M.D. - 10/16/2006

Question
My father was diagnosed with stage four colon cancer about four months ago now. Originaly they gave him 2-5 years wich we were happy with considering everything. In the last four months he has been running into one complication after nother. He now only has a few weeks to live because they tried to do a second surgery but were unable to because the intestines had hardened but the doctor nicked a part of the intestine and the tumor ripped it open into a large hole and he keeps reinfecting himself because he is leeking feces wich makes him an unfit candidate for chemotherapy. They keep telling us he can come home for his last few weeks he will be alive but they keep pushing it back because they can't control his vomiting even though he has a tube coming out of his stomach and one down his asophagus. I feel like the doctors just aren't doing enough he's upset and just wants to come home to be with his family.He doesn't want to die in the hospital.  Is there any more that they coud possibly do for him? I feel like they aren't trying hard enough and I don't mean to but I feel so helpless.

Answer
I'm sorry to read about his and your problems! Camille, I understand your frustration, disappointment, sorrow and anger, but I'm sure they have tried hard and do want to do more! But unfortunately the situation you describe for me is impossible! No one can foresee or prevent all possible complications in a case like this and you have had a lot of bad luck! However, even with chemo therapy the result at best would only have been a somewhat prolonged survival time and hopefully somewhat temporarily relieved symptoms at a cost of sometimes severe side effects. No one can with any certainty or accuracy predict any survival time. Surgery in cases like this is always uncertain. Unfortunately it is most uncertain if his condition will permit him ever to come home again regardless of however hard his drs. are trying. I'm sorry I have nothing better to tell you!