Colorectal Cancer Complicated by Heart Disease, Hypertension, Diabetes, Thrombosis, and Bowel Obstruction: An 84-Year-Old's Stormy Journey Through Cancer Treatment | Patient Story

My mother’s life has long been tied to hospitals, with heart disease, hypertension, and diabetes since her youth. Yet, through sheer resilience, she reached 84. Elders say 73 and 84 are hurdles, and though we feared it, cancer arrived. On this journey, the 84-year-old, burdened by multiple illnesses, fights on with fearless courage and tenacious vitality.

I sincerely wish all friends on the cancer journey to hold their destiny firmly in their own hands, cling to hope, and walk toward recovery!

Author | Qin Lizhi
Reviewer | Guangguang
Editor | Chanchan

「 1. The Decision After a Colon Cancer Diagnosis 」

In September 2024, my mother suffered a sudden heart attack and received two stents. Barely recovering from that brush with death, she needed two more stents and a balloon in October due to blocked blood vessels. In December, she was hospitalized again for a leg thrombosis and had a filter placed in her iliac vein. Before she could even be discharged, she began passing blood in her stool.

The relentless toll left her exhausted, and she just wanted to go home. After much persuasion, we finally convinced her to undergo a colonoscopy. That test brought a bolt from the blue: the report preliminarily diagnosed colon cancer.

The whole family plunged into deep sorrow. However, because my brother-in-law had previously been diagnosed with colon cancer, I had accompanied him to many hospitals and accumulated considerable consultation experience. Though I never expected to use it again, it thankfully kept us from panicking.

Shortly after New Year’s Day 2025, with the help of a relative working at Liaoning Cancer Hospital, we completed comprehensive pre-surgical examinations, hoping to start treatment quickly. Instead, we received the verdict: “confirmed beyond doubt” and “inoperable.” Unwilling to give up, I traveled to the First Hospital of China Medical University in Shenyang. The doctor was blunt: “At her age, with these underlying conditions, no one dares to operate. Going under the knife is a brush with death.” Walking out of the hospital, the biting winter wind stung my face and clouded my mind. Repeated rejections left me lost and fearful.

Back home, seeing my mother’s frail state, my sisters heartbreakingly suggested conservative treatment: “Let nature take its course, cook whatever she wants, and spare her the suffering of surgery.” But my niece disagreed. Her father, my eldest sister’s husband, has late-stage rectal cancer with liver metastasis, and she firmly believes in surgery. Our relative at the cancer hospital also inquired about a palliative chemotherapy regimen: oral capecitabine or raltitrexed injections.

Perceptive as ever, my mother had already guessed her diagnosis from our reactions. She actively requested medication and injections, showing a strong will to live. I also felt that no matter the cost, we must extend her life, not just to “survive,” but to live with quality. No matter how tangled fate’s lines may be, we must hold them in our own hands. Moreover, her colon cancer was still early-stage, leaving room for choice.

I knew that having the right “cancer-fighting weapons” was crucial. From then on, I spent every day on online cancer support platforms and in the Panda WeChat group, devouring all materials on colon cancer and expert advice. The more I researched, the more determined I became: because cancer patients differ in disease progression and physical condition, treatment plans must be tailored. I had to find the most suitable approach for my elderly mother.

Western medicine’s surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation, alongside traditional Chinese medicine and moxibustion, all seemed overwhelming. But after carefully weighing the pros and cons, I concluded: her body could not withstand long-term chemotherapy, and for early-stage colon cancer, prompt surgery was the only path. While researching, I immediately applied for special outpatient disease coverage for her, explained the pros and cons of capecitabine using the drug leaflet to stabilize her emotions, and then focused entirely on finding successful cases of “colon cancer surgery in the elderly.” Even one case would be a beacon of hope.

「 2. Overcoming Opposition to Seek Medical Care in Beijing 」

The moment “surgery” was mentioned, opposition at home never ceased. Some said, “Surgery drains vital energy; she won’t withstand it.” Others warned, “What if she doesn’t wake up on the table? Isn’t that just suffering in vain?”

I tossed and turned late into the night, losing handfuls of hair: terrified of missing the optimal treatment window, yet even more terrified of making the wrong choice with no chance to fix it. Fortunately, my niece stood firmly with me, urging me to “let an expert decide.”

In mid-January, carrying all of my mother’s medical records and test results, I traveled alone to Peking University Cancer Hospital for a consultation. Director Li Jian from the internal medicine department advised against chemotherapy, citing her advanced age, multiple comorbidities, and the risk of bowel obstruction; furthermore, chemotherapy efficacy for colon cancer is under 10%. When I asked what would happen without treatment, he said it would only lead to obstruction and metastasis, and a stent would merely be a temporary fix. Imagining her future suffering, I pleaded for another option. He sighed and said, “Go to Peking Union Medical College Hospital (PUMCH). A comprehensive hospital can evaluate her thoroughly. If even PUMCH won’t take her, there’s no other way.”

Fortunately, I had prepared a backup plan and had already booked an appointment with Dr. Zhang Guannan from the Colorectal Surgery Group at PUMCH’s Basic Surgery Department. During the consultation, I recounted her medication dosages and medical history flawlessly, making communication exceptionally smooth. Dr. Zhang recommended a pre-operative evaluation and helped schedule appointments with cardiology, vascular surgery, anesthesiology, and a special pathology clinic to clarify the pathological staging.

Leaving Dr. Zhang’s clinic, I felt a glimmer of victory. I immediately bought train tickets for my mother and second sister, booked a hotel, and joyfully prepared to welcome her to Beijing for examinations. At that time, my mother was in excellent spirits and great condition.

[ My mother in excellent condition ]

「 3. The Surgery Repeatedly Rejected 」

On the day of the examinations, Dr. Gu Guangchao from vascular surgery was highly responsible. After reviewing her leg thrombosis, he noted the severity and prescribed enoxaparin sodium (abdominal injections once daily) for a week. He also ordered ultrasounds of the iliac, inferior vena cava, and lower limb deep veins, along with complete blood count, coagulation, liver, and kidney function tests. We followed his instructions immediately. However, a week later, the evaluations from all departments were pessimistic: due to stopping anticoagulants for the colonoscopy, the thrombosis had progressed below the filter. Dr. Gu recommended switching to full-dose anticoagulation (twice-daily injections) for three months before attempting surgery, otherwise, there were risks of pulmonary embolism or sudden death. The anesthesiology and cardiology departments also advised waiting six months after the heart stent placement before surgery. With the Spring Festival approaching, we reluctantly returned home.

On February 5, after the holiday, I pushed my mother in a wheelchair back to Beijing for a follow-up with Dr. Zhang, clinging to a sliver of hope. All tests clearly indicated her condition was not optimistic. Dr. Zhang explicitly stated the case was too complex: “I cannot perform this surgery. Please consult a professor or go to internal medicine.”

Heavy-hearted, I pushed my mother to PUMCH West Campus. Dr. Zhang Zhiyang cheerfully explained the standard chemotherapy regimen for colon cancer. My mother’s spirits visibly dropped, but I remained steadfast in my belief to fight for her surgery. On the train back to Yingkou, I continuously encouraged her, holding her hand and saying, “Mom, don’t panic. If PUMCH can’t help, we’ll find another doctor. I’ll stay with you until we do.”

With my mother’s mental burden temporarily lifted, I felt more at ease. Upon learning of our situation, my niece consulted Teacher Da Zhou, a volunteer in the Panda group, about colorectal surgery professors at PUMCH. Teacher Da Zhou enthusiastically recommended several highly specialized, skilled, and well-regarded professors.

[ Returning to Yingkou after the first trip to Beijing ]

「 4. My Mother Became a “Guide” for Life 」

Shortly after returning home, an old colleague of my mother called to check on her and mentioned her own lack of normal bowel movements for nearly three months. Hearing this, my mother immediately began advising her like a seasoned doctor. Following my mother’s suggestion, the colleague underwent a colonoscopy, which revealed the cause of her constipation: “approaching bowel obstruction.” Just as she was preparing for surgery, she was also diagnosed with a heart attack. My mother joked, “I was trying to earn some merit, why is it chasing me?”

[ My mother advising her old colleague ]

Since both conditions were urgent, the colleague’s family called me daily in distress. My mother and I advised them to prioritize the heart stent, followed by colon cancer surgery, and suggested they consult an expert at the First Hospital of China Medical University in Shenyang. The expert agreed with our assessment, and the surgery ultimately went smoothly.

At this point, my mother was no longer the anxious colon cancer patient. She had transformed into a “cancer pioneer” and “treatment guide,” with her spirits fully restored and brimming with confidence. I realized that we can not only guard our own hope for life but also illuminate the path for others. This realization made me even more determined not to give up easily.

「 5. A Turning Point: Snatching a Lifeline Appointment 」

In early April, the three-month full-dose anticoagulation period was complete. Coincidentally, my niece was taking my brother-in-law to Peking University Cancer Hospital for an ablation procedure. I took the opportunity to book an appointment for my mother with Director Lu from the Colorectal Surgery Group at PUMCH, asking my niece to consult on her behalf. Unfortunately, this visit dealt another heavy blow. Director Lu remarked, “With so many underlying conditions, how old do you expect her to live? Isn’t 85 enough?” Though harsh, his words cut deep. Swallowing her frustration, my niece still requested the pre-operative evaluation form.

While waiting for the evaluation, we didn’t stop. Following advice from Panda group members, I booked an appointment with Dr. Jia Wenzhao at Beijing Hospital via Haodf. Simultaneously, I gritted my teeth and paid a premium for an international clinic appointment with Professor Wu Bin at PUMCH—even if it cost more, as long as it meant surgery for my mother, it was worth it.

Dr. Jia quickly replied, “Surgery is no problem,” but immediately added, “I’m currently supporting medical work in Xinjiang and won’t be back for a while.” The newly sparked hope was extinguished again.

But I am unbreakable. Holding onto the belief of “doing my best and leaving the rest to fate,” I pushed my mother to Beijing for the third time. Perhaps moved by my filial piety and perseverance, or perhaps by my mother’s lifelong kindness, at midnight, I miraculously found a cancellation for Professor Lin Guole at PUMCH.

Since the PUMCH app lacked a waitlist feature at the time, I had to try booking after 5 AM. I forced myself to stay awake until 5 and successfully secured the only available slot. Sharing the good news with my niece, she immediately asked the Panda group, “Who is more authoritative, Professor Wu or Professor Lin?” The group replied, “What? You’re still choosing? Getting an appointment is already incredibly lucky.” My suspended heart finally settled slightly: It seems we’ve finally found the right doctor, and my mother’s surgery might finally see a turning point.

「 6. Surgery Scheduled, Facing the Trial of Life 」

Consulting with Professor Lin Guole was the smoothest and most pleasant experience since we began this journey. The eight words “Pre-operative evaluation, wait for surgery” instantly dispelled four months of gloom. My mother couldn’t stop smiling. Though overjoyed, I was also anxious: would she successfully make it off the operating table?

The contrast-enhanced CT was scheduled for Monday. Over the weekend, I pushed my mother through heavy rain to Tianjin, where we visited famous landmarks and took plenty of photos. She was thrilled, and I felt deeply comforted. To this day, she often remarks, “The braised pork in Tianjin is the best.” Every time I look at those WeChat moments, I genuinely feel that mental joy is a primary driving force in healing.

[ Taking my mother sightseeing in Tianjin ]

Less than ten days later, the surgery notice from PUMCH arrived, requiring us to “arrive in Beijing by May 5.” The timing perfectly aligned with our return after the May Day holiday. Train tickets were nearly impossible to find, so I desperately asked a railway friend for help and finally arrived on the morning of the 5th. Less than an hour after checking into the hotel, the admission notice came. Fortunately, I had already packed her change of clothes and medical records in a bag, and we rushed straight to the hospital.

[ My mother preparing for hospital admission and surgery ]

After admission, we received confirmation that the surgery would be on May 6. Unable to get train tickets, my niece drove my sisters to Beijing. They braved torrential rain to arrive, and I stayed awake all night with worry. As the morning sun rose, I faced another mental challenge: the second pre-operative consultation.

Early that morning, my mother suddenly called, her voice trembling: “Daughter, they might not do the surgery.” A doctor in his forties had angrily said in front of her, “Can someone this old really undergo surgery?”

Immediately after, a PUMCH doctor called to schedule the second pre-operative talk, informing me that a lawyer had been consulted and a 700 RMB fee was required. Calming myself, I rushed to the ward. When I met Professor Lu, he listed the risks one by one: “Possible massive bleeding, cerebral infarction, myocardial infarction, possible failure to wake up, possible prolonged ICU stay. Can your family afford it? Is your signature legally binding?” Exhausted and hoarse, my resolve never wavered: “I will sign. As long as there is hope, I accept it.” The lawyer took notes as I signed a stack of documents without hesitation, paid the fee, and returned to the bedside to smile and tell my mother, “It’s fine, everything is normal.”

Leaving the ward, I immediately found a quiet corner and cried. I was truly terrified, but I couldn’t let my mother see it.

At 4 PM, my mother was wheeled into the operating room. To keep us from worrying, she showed admirable strength and smiled calmly: “Go forward bravely.” I continuously encouraged her: “You’ve seen every kind of challenge in life! We’ll be waiting for you to come out safely!”

After nearly two hours of agonizing waiting, the screen finally displayed “recovering.” We joyfully rushed to the operating room door, only to find my mother wasn’t there. The nurse informed us she had already been transferred to the ICU. I wanted to wait outside, but the nurse advised me to return to the hotel. Another sleepless night followed, worrying about my sisters and niece driving back, and about my mother alone in the ICU.

After 4 AM, my niece messaged that she had arrived safely. Around 7 AM, the ICU called for the family to pick up my mother. Holding the phone, tears instantly fell. I kept repeating in my heart: Mom, we’ve successfully passed the trial!

[ My mother just after leaving the ICU ]

「 7. The Long and Arduous Post-Operative Recovery 」

Although the surgery went smoothly, the recovery was harder than imagined. Back in the ward, my mother insisted on walking, but while her roommates were discharged, she still couldn’t drink water. Her abdomen was severely bloated like a drum, and despite multiple nasogastric tube insertions, she couldn’t pass gas and required continuous oxygen. I endured another series of sleepless nights until the doctor prescribed paraffin oil. Once she finally passed gas, I could finally breathe a sigh of relief.

Before I could fully relax, PUMCH notified us of a transfer. Ten days later, I had to take my still-bloated mother to Beijing Sixth Hospital for rehabilitation. The conditions were not as good as PUMCH, but we encountered wonderful medical staff. They suspected a bowel obstruction and promptly performed a CT scan to rule it out, after which treatment returned to normal. Just as Professor Lin had said, “The elderly recover slowly; we must wait.” Gradually, the bloating subsided, bowel movements resumed, the drainage tube was removed, and she could finally step out of the hospital and head home.

[ My mother working hard to pass gas at the rehabilitation hospital ]

During the follow-up visit at PUMCH, the pathology report showed no high-risk factors. Professor Lin advised a follow-up imaging scan in three months. Eager to return home, we transferred trains in Tianjin to catch the train back. Once home, relatives came to visit. My mother, like a triumphant eagle, spoke confidently, her voice clearer and louder than before. Our life-or-death gamble had finally ended in victory.

「 8. Holding Destiny Firmly in Hand to See the Dawn of Hope 」

Looking back on this journey, I deeply realize that fighting cancer is not just a battle against the disease, but also against fear, helplessness, and despair. Love, faith, and perseverance are the most powerful weapons against cancer. I am also deeply grateful for the selfless help from the Panda group members throughout our medical journey.

My octogenarian mother taught me the most profound lesson about life through her actions: although life is full of uncertainties, maintaining a positive attitude will always help you find the best answer you can hold in your own hands. The cancer journey is fraught with obstacles, but it is precisely every day of refusing to give up that paves the way for a smooth tomorrow.

On this cancer journey, the 84-year-old, burdened by multiple illnesses, fights on with fearless courage and tenacious vitality. Her 60-year-old son-in-law (my eldest sister’s husband and my niece’s father) is also bravely walking his own cancer path. May they both stay healthy and safe! I sincerely wish all friends on the cancer journey to hold their destiny firmly in their own hands, cling to hope, and walk toward recovery!

To protect patient privacy, names used in this article are pseudonyms.
Images featuring patients have been authorized by the patients themselves. Unauthorized use is prohibited.

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