What can we expect with Stage 4 colon cancer?

My grandfather is 76 has advanced stage 4 colon cancer that has spread to the liver. He has a tumor the size of a golf ball that is not in his colon and recently had surgery to remove part of it. He also has Alzheimer's, but my mom is there to make sure he takes his meds. He has chosen to not go through chemo. We are very confused on what to expect. He was diagnosed about 4 months ago and has been in a lot of pain lately. He walks very slow. What could his life expectancy be? Also, when the time comes where he is reaching his final days, what can we expect? We understand that jaundice is a sign, but is there anything else we should look for? I understand that every situation is different.

If he has less than 6 months to live, then you can call in hospice and they can help with everything from advice to supplies to meds to caregivers to clergy,etc. They can give him meds like morphine so that he won't be in pain.

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Your grandpap made the right decision. He will certainly continue to weaken. Focus on giving him the best quality of life possible. Contact hospice now as they can guide you quite effectively. Don't put food tubes or air tubes in him. Keep him pain and anxiety free. Best wishes.

Colon cancer has five distinct stages, with differing treatments for each. As you asked specifically about stage 4 (sometimes written with roman numerals as IV), I shall briefly discuss that stage here. In this stage, the cancer had spread to other organs in the body such as the lungs or liver. In addition to a surgical resection and chemotherapy, radiation treatment and surgery to remove other affected parts of the body may be necessary, as you have stated that chemotherapy has been rejected, it obviously will not apply. At this stage, there is only a 3 percent chance of reaching the five-year survival time. In the early stages, colon cancer is one of the most curable cancers. In the later - it is the second most deadly.
I add a link with details of this subject

http://www.medicinenet.com/
colon_cancer/article.htm


Hope this helps
matador 89

firstly, my sympathies to you, grandfather and family. This will be a tough road.

He's decided against chemo, but has Alzheimers - is your mom (I assume she's the main carer) comfortable he knows enough about the options to make an informed decision ? I can understand the choice though.

As the cancer progresses and affects more of his internal organs, you can expect more pain, confusion and "withdrawal" from the world. He will sleep more and more, may not be interested in what is happening beyond his life and family. You'll know when the end is coming - not to the hour, but when the end is inevitable. Don't ask me how, each case is different, but you'll know.

Make sure you tell the doctors about the pain - there is plenty of choice for pain relief.

And get in contact with one of the cancer support groups (e.g. American cancer society) - they will be able to give you advice and answer questions, and should also be able to give you information on support groups near you. It really will help to know other people with experience.

And if your mom is the main carer, remember to ask her sometimes how SHE is. It's very easy to focus on the cancer patient and forget how hard it is on the main carer.

take care and treasure the time you have.

I cant answer your question, but god bless you and your family. I pray that he does not suffer.

At a stage 4 level colon cancer just respect his wishes on not going thru chemo. Just try to make him as comfortable as possible.