How long will my dad have without treatment?

10 years 6 months ago #45292 by jwax
Thanks Sara.

When they removed his tumor, it was biopsied and is invasive bladder cancer that has gone into the muscle. The doctor also found a spot on his lung on the MRI.

I spoke with the nurse at his doctor's office today and she is going to have him call me to answer questions. I have also spoken to the home health agency and to the treatment coordinator where he lives. They said that they would call hospice whenever we were ready.

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

10 years 6 months ago #45291 by sara.anne
Replied by sara.anne on topic How long will my dad have without treatment?
so sorry to hear about your dad. And it is especially difficult when you are not close by. Please try to talk with his urologist, at least by telephone. Call and set up a phone appointment...this will ensure that they set the time aside and that he has your dad's file available.

Also, it would be a good idea to contact the social workers, either at the living facility or through the urologist's office. There are specialized people who work with seniors such as your dad.

It would be impossible for any of us to answer your questions...there are so many variables. It depends on the kind, how far it has spread into the muscle, and if it is in the lymph nodes. I would think there would need to be more tests than just an xray to determine the diagnosis. You night want to seek a second opinion at a center that specializes in bladder cancer. If you let us know where your dad is located, perhaps someone can suggest such a place.

Your father's cognitive issues are indeed a factor and he...and you...will need help in dealing with this.

Sara Anne

Diagnosis 2-08 Small papillary TCC; CIS
BCG; BCG maintenance
Vice-President, American Bladder Cancer Society
Forum Moderator
The following user(s) said Thank You: jwax

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

10 years 6 months ago #45290 by jwax
My dad is nearly 81 and recently underwent surgery to remove a bladder tumor. The doctor was sure that it was cancer, and we got the pathology results today. I am not sure of the exact stage, but the doctor said it was the "bad" cancer, and that he thinks that it has spread because he saw a spot on his lung on the MRI.

The only treatment option that he gave my dad was surgery to remove his bladder. Dad flatly refused. HIs issues are complicated by the fact that he has Alzheimer's. Currently he still knows all of his family members, but can't remember what he did 10 minutes ago. While in the hospital, he didn't even know why he was there, or that he had had surgery. Consequently, we are not fighting him on his decision to keep his bladder as we are afraid that he would not be able to take care of himself if it was removed.

He is currently living in an independent living facility and we have a nursing service that administers his meds and checks on him twice per day. He gets all of his meals there too. At the moment, he says that he feels good and doesn't have any pain. He doesn't understand why people keep asking him how he feels!

My question is, how long would he be expected to live? And, how much pain is he likely to be in, and how soon? Will he be able to stay in his current living situation, or should we look for something where he will get more care?

Unfortunately, I was not able to go to his appointment with him today as I live about 4 hours away.

Thanks for your help!

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

Moderators: Cynthiaeddieksara.anne