My dad has bladder cancer and we knew a few weeks ago it would be palliative care, which was confirmed a few days ago. Sadly, it’s incurable but we are told symptoms are manageable with Radiotherapy (if dad can get there, as he is very frail now). It is grade 3 and T 3/4. It has also spread to the lymph nodes.
Unfortunately, my dad has been rapidly deteriorating and is finding it hard to manage symptoms such as diarrhea. He is eating less and less to avoid having to use the commode or soil himself plus he has nausea, whilst sleeping more and more.
The hospice nurse is coming out on Tuesday. I fear a lot of interactions with professionals (district nurses for example) has been really poor and adds to the stress. The hospice nurse acknowledged today that the referral was urgent but she couldn’t come today due to being alone in the office. It’s adding to my anxiety about having to manage professionals when really, I should be focusing on caring for my dad.
Another example of this is when we told the hospice nurse dad is sleeping a lot, she said it was good and her must be comfortable. But our worry is that he is slowly losing strength and it feels like a slow death.
Can anyone tell me what to expect from the hospice nurses? Are Macmillan nurses better able to manage emotional support for family and patient? Are my expectations too high? I just don’t know who to turn to.
Dad has been prescribed ensure and cortisol milkshakes but he feels they are responsible for the diarrhea. Is there anything we can do to help with this or the nausea?
Whatever cancer throws your way, we’re right there with you.
We’re here to provide physical, financial and emotional support.
© Macmillan Cancer Support 2025 © Macmillan Cancer Support, registered charity in England and Wales (261017), Scotland (SC039907) and the Isle of Man (604). Also operating in Northern Ireland. A company limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales company number 2400969. Isle of Man company number 4694F. Registered office: 3rd Floor, Bronze Building, The Forge, 105 Sumner Street, London, SE1 9HZ. VAT no: 668265007