Hi there
My mum was diagnosed with bladder cancer in October. She has finished her chemotherapy and although the scans look like the tumour has gone, the side effects have been devastating on her and they now think there may have been some cancer cells in her lymph nodes as they are looking shrivelled post chemo. She was going to have her bladder out but has opted for radio and chemo. Because of the side effects, she can't have chemo now and will start radio on 14 February. She is exhausted, can't pee properly, has diarrhoea, stomach cramps and is very depressed. She is a different woman, she looks like an old woman and I feel I've lost my mum. She's not eating really so she's lost lots of weight. I work and am studying and have a daughter and she's reliant on me all the time but she doesn't want any help/carers so I feel overwhelmed and desperate to help and support her at the same time. I'm sure this resonates with many. The chemo nurse is helpful to a point but only up to a certain level and I don't expect them to solve these things.
I was wondering if there was a place in UK where patients recovering from chemo can go just to ensure she eats, she gets mental support and because she's been in bed for so long she is very weak so thought some physio may help. Just for a few days? Does such a place exist???
Thanks
Jem