My mom (93) was just diagnosed with colon cancer. Fairly fast-growing but has not metastisized. Also has a heart problem. We need to know what her quality of life would be like if we did nothing. I have heard horror stories about a blocked colon with bloating and severe pain. Is this the common experience, and how much can be done to make her comfortable?
Is your mother of sound mind? What does she want to do? I suppose you are gather information for her. I wish you all the best.
The doctor has probably already told you that without the surgery the intestine can become blocked. The cancer will also spread to the other organs of the body. This last isn't a problem that concerns your mother, but the blocking of the intestine would be. If she elects not to have the surgery, do you plan to call hospice in? They should be able to help some with the pain.