Hi All - My mom is in her 80s and has recently been diagnosed with invasive bladder cancer. She's had surgery to remove the tumor, and subsequently was told that it had invaded the muscle. So we were referred to an oncologist, and it appears she's facing chemo for four months, once a week - a rest and recovery period - and then the big surgery to remove her bladder early next year. I don't know much about all this. They are giving our family a "teach" on Tuesday next week to answer questions and introduce us to the team that will be working with her.
Mom is an independent 80+ woman who lives on her own and runs circles around me staying busy. She quilts, still drives, is involved in politics, knows more about computers than I do, is extremely bright minded, so not what one might typically think of an 86 year old as being. Me and my siblings all live nearby and are ready to help in any way possible to make this as easy as possible for her. It's her decision to move ahead with treatment. My brother is very concerned that the treatment itself will suck the life out of her. Mom pretty much wants to take it a week at a time and see how things go.
So that's my story. I've been very sad, but also the strong daughter my mother raised. Any thoughts or advice - or comments on what we can expect through chemo - are greatly appreciated. I've been looking for the proper forum for guidance and support, so hope I've found it here. I have no doubt this will be the hardest test of strength and character I'll ever face in my life, so thanks to anyone who reads me and can help me as I find my way through this time in my life. mary ^..^