My 90 yr old father has health issues and now diagnosed with cancer. Surgery or hospice?

Does your father have any thoughts on what he wants to do? I would try to honor his wishes if it is at all possible. How advanced is his dementia and how serious is his heart condition now? If his dementia and heart are both serious and he does not want to have the surgery, I would definitely honor his wishes. Sometimes we do things to prolong life, but the life may not have good quality. These things have to be taken into account when making a decision. I know it is a tough one. I hope that your father is able to make his wishes known.

After I thought about this a bit longer, I realized the surgery for an early case would not be too serious and he shouldn't need chemo. If he lives with the cancer, it will become difficult for your father to eat. You indeed do have a difficult decision to make.

Does you father have an advance healthcare directive, and do you know his feelings in general about this kind of thing?

Anesthesia is a definite risk for dementia patients. Can you discuss that aspect of the possible surgery with his dementia doctor?

What a difficult spot you are in!

Thanks Jessie and jeanne for your input. The surgeon who advise no surgery says that feed tubing and respiration support provided when need arises till than leave to natural course and no invasive technique.