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Welcoming any advice
Let me begin by saying thank you to all of you for being so willing to share your experiences and advice. I have visited this site for about a year now and have been sharing information I find with my father who was diagnosed with superficial BC 2/2006. I was hoping that he would become a member here because of the outpouring of support and information you all give but much to my chigrin, he has chosen to keep it bottled up. He is a very private and strong-willed person.
A brief history: Dad was diagnosed with Stage III Melanoma, 2/2005. August 2005 he had a mild stroke (unrelated to the cancer) and Feb 2006 he was diagnosed with superficial bladder cancer (unreltated to the BC). The Melamona has not recurred, the stroke left him with minimal paralysis in the right hand but he is easily fatigued (I think due to the bladder cancer and the stroke).
As far as the BC he has had 3 TURs since then, the last one being February of this year.
Unfortunately, after the last TUR his Urologist informed us that he believed the cancer had spread to the prostate. A biopsy was done and it had not (thank God) however the cancer diagnosis did change to invasive BC and it was recommended that he have an RC.
Dad’s Urologist does not perform Radical Cystectomies so he referred him to another Urologist – a Dr. Rento. After much hesitation/consideration (fear of quality of life, etc) my dad has scheduled his RC for June 25th (next week). Over the past week has been undergoing various preop tests.
1- CT scan of the abdomen and hip (he has been having severe hip pain for 2 months), * I should note here that a bone scan of the hip was done about a week and a half ago and only showed “inflammation” in the hip joint. No fractures, cancer, etc. I am praying that his hip pain is due to his exercise activities at a local health club. 2- Preop labs were performed yesterday as well as marking of the abdomen if he has to have an external appliance. 3- Tuesday AM he is to being drinking the GoLytely.
My concerns,etc are:
1- The Urologist who will be performing the RC only does 4-5 of these a year (Dr. Rento primarily handles surgical procedures relating to prostate cancer – he also uses a robotic arm during such procedures). I have stressed to my father, several times, that I felt he would be better served by going to a cancer treatment center/urologist who does this sort of procedure on a regular basis, however my concerns/comments are to no avail. Should I be greatly concerned about the skills of his urologist? My stepmom said that the doctor was very confident about his skills, the procedure and kind of blew off any concerns that she/dad had.
2- The doctor has informed dad that he will be in the hospital, most likely, for about 4 days. (These seems rather short to me as I have read most stays are 5-8 days).
3- Dad has been informed that we will not know what kind of “bag” he will end up with until the surgery is over. This is due to not knowing exactly whether the cancer has spread to nodes, other organs, length of dad’s bowel, etc. Of course we are all praying that it is internal and able to be connected to his urethra.
4- There was mention that if the cancer has spread, they will do radiation in the operating room. Has anyone experienced this or heard of this being done?
5- My stepmom, sister and myself will be rotating days/nights to stay in the hospital with my dad. We know there are skilled professionals there but let’s face it, night time is when staff is short-handed. (My stepmom has been an RN for 30+ years so we have much comfort knowing her skill. On the flip side, her care has been in a ER/Med Surg/ICU setting, none of which have been at/for cancer patient care. While there are routine procedures for any patient, cancer brings a whole new and frightening spectrum of things to face.) Is there any advice you can lend as to what to keep an eye on, what to expect, etc.?
6- My father also had a mild stroke in the past. (August 2005)and I am concerned about the potential to have another on the operating table. Have any of you had this history prior to major surgery?
I guess that it is for now. I appreciate your allowing me to participate in this forum and look forward to your input. My thoughts and prayers go to you and your families as you too face your own battles. My apologies for this being so lengthy, thank you for taking the time to read it.
Sincerest Regards and Respect. M
Friendship isn't a big thing; it's a million little things.