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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Diagnosed With Colon Cancer, Using Iron Pills. Stool, Blackish Green, Difficult To Wipe After Bowel Movement. Help?

Hi, I am one of two primary caregivers for my 89 year old father. He was diagnosed with colon cancer in April. He seems to be doing very well, even though it was determined not to go ahead with surgery or any other treatment for him. However in June he was put on Iron pills and now I am concerned. His stool is very blackish green and very tar like. It is difficult for him to wipe himself properly after having a bowel movement. Should this color and texture be something that we should be concerned about?
Tue, 22 Oct 2013
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Thank you for consulting with healthcare magic.

I'm sorry to hear that your father is suffering from colon cancer.

The doesn't show a good prognosis, that too without surgery.

The black color and sticky nature of stool suggest the presence of an gastrointestinal tract bleeding. I think you would have already considered any palliative procedures and decided not to go forward with them.

Now I'd advise you to continue the iron and nutritional supports you give. Also you should get an appointment with a gastroenterologist and get him examined to find the site of bleeding for further decisions.

Hope I've clarified some of your concerns. Please revert for further queries.
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Diagnosed With Colon Cancer, Using Iron Pills. Stool, Blackish Green, Difficult To Wipe After Bowel Movement. Help?

Thank you for consulting with healthcare magic. I m sorry to hear that your father is suffering from colon cancer. The doesn t show a good prognosis, that too without surgery. The black color and sticky nature of stool suggest the presence of an gastrointestinal tract bleeding. I think you would have already considered any palliative procedures and decided not to go forward with them. Now I d advise you to continue the iron and nutritional supports you give. Also you should get an appointment with a gastroenterologist and get him examined to find the site of bleeding for further decisions. Hope I ve clarified some of your concerns. Please revert for further queries.