Hello. My mother is 98 1/2 years old and just had Stage III Colon Cancer surgery 2 weeks ago. The tumor was about the size of a fist...3 out of 5 bad lymph nodes were removed. Although she survived the surgery and is recovering physically, her mental faculties have taken a dive. She was a very active, alert, mobile and appropriate before the surgery however now she is at times extremely confused, agitated, and non engaging. There are moments when she need instructions to do the simplest things like walking, what to do next, and even breathing. Just in the past 3 days she'll be sitting watching TV and all of a sudden becomes very agitated and talks about everything bothering her and before you know it she is stripping off her clothing. Anytime I mention this to someone they always say..."Well, she IS 98", but what they don't know is that although she is chronologically 98 she represents someone 20 years younger. Someone also suggested that this could be effects of the anesthesia or pain medication. After surgery she took pain medication over a period of 36 hours and no more. Does anyone know if this is a permanent condition? Is it related to the anesthesia? There is also a small mass in her right lung which they believe is a primary. She has not and will not have chemo or radiation therapy.
Also, are there signs that I should be looking for? The oncologist told me to bring her home and keep her comfortable, but didn't really give me an idea as what to expect.
She sleeps most of the day or sits in a chair staring at nothing. She apperas to be very depressed.
Thanks for reading. I am grateful for your imput.
Ann
Zajori, My mom has bladder cancer. She is 88. She was healthy, active, and a quick thinker. After a fall in January (which was unrelated) we found out that she had cancer. She has had one "scrapping" of the tumor and seems to be doing well. Her thinking is muddled. She gets very agitated in the night at me when I take her to the bathroom. And ocassionly says abusive things. This is not my mom either. The cancer has not gone anywhere else so we know it is not in the brain. I think it is a combination of many things. The Cancer ! The "C" word is very scarey. The medications that they put patients on. My dad got very disorientated after bypass surgery because of the meds. The lack of stimulation. Very active to non-active. That can take a toll on you body and mind. It is a tough road and I wish I had some wonderful words of wisdom. But I don't. Have they checked her for small stokes? Sometimes surgery meds can cause them.
Also, anesthesia can cause a person to become disorientated after surgery. I would definely check to see if she has had a small stroke or is having them now. God Bless.
I considered mini-strokes. She has not been put on any new meds and she really didn't take too many before the surgery. She has a follow up appointment with her primary next week, I guess I'll get a better idea then. I know she is very, very depressed. The colostomy bag is a big issue for her and she is bothered by not being able to take care of herself. I think she also thinks about still having cancer in her and almost feels like the ax is about to fall again.
One day at a time I guess. Thanks for your input, it's always nice to hear from people who know where you are. 
Ann
Read about cancer at the National Cancer Society on the web. They have some great questions to ask you physican. Things that you don't think about asking.
Good luck and God Bless.
Sorry the website is www.cancer.gov [cancer.gov].
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