This is my first post...and here is my story:
My father was diagnosed with bladder cancer in June of 2006. In July of that year, he had his bladder removed and a neobladder was created at the Univ. of Chicago. After recovering from surgery, he underwent chemotherapy. In August of 2007, he was told, "Everything looks great. You've done remarkably well..miraculously well. Go out and live a great life!" Two weeks later, he went to a local doctor because he was having a terrible back ache. Following an MRI and then a bone scan, it was discovered that the bladder cancer had metastasized to his bones. We couldn't believe it!!
He went through chemotherapy again (had a rougher time that time...hospitalized 5 times for transfusions) and then had radiation. He finished up radiation a few months ago. His oncologist wanted to give him a couple of months to try to build up his energy and then check him again. Before the two months were up, we had him back in the hospital. To get to the point...three weeks ago (following MRIs, bone scan, etc.) we were told that the cancer is now in his bones, liver, brain, etc. I read here tonight that metastasizing to the brain is rare...but that is what we were told ("There are a number of substantial tumors in the brain") The oncologist at U of C said a textbook estimate would be that he would have six months to live, but he didn't think he would have that long. (By the way, his oncologist is the most caring physician I have ever met)
Anyway...they are considering either radiating at least one of the brain tumors or using a gamma knife procedure. They say it will help with pain and/or help to prevent blindness, paralysis, etc. This treatment is supposed to start next week. We are in Indiana, about an hour from Chicago, and he would have the treatment here.
In the meantime, my father is growing increasingly weak. He has lost 10 more pounds in the past week. His appetite is slowing down. He often says it hurts to swallow. He has no energy at all. My mother, who is 73, is his caregiver. They just started having a visiting nurse come to the house yesterday (someone will come 3x/week).
I visit daily and talk by phone about 5-6 times a day. Tonight my mom and I had a long talk. We wonder if this extreme weakness is just temporary...or is just part of the downward spiral? We wonder what to expect in the way of condition as his death approaches. Maybe there is not any one answer. Maybe it is different for everyone. I imagine that's true. I just thought this might be a good place to get some feedback.
As all of you who have dealt with this disease know, this is an extremely trying thing to go through and I just don't know where else to ask.
Robin