Hi,
My grandfather was recently diagnosed with stage 3 bladder cancer. There's mention of lymph nodes too. and due to low kidney function, treatment options are limited.
Recently there was a discussion with the oncologist where theyve decided my grandad will have 3 sessions of radiotherapy, eg monday wednesday friday and thats it.
From what iv read, a normal course of radiotherapy seems to be weeks long, and iv read that palliative radiotherapy is likely to be a short course.
My grandad and family have asked not to know the prognosis.
Now that the palliative term is in my mind im wondering if my grandad is close to end of life? i know there's no definitive answer, but the likelihood. Previously, i was thinking he may have a few years left but now im thinking it could be down to a few months.
In himself, hes not as strong and well as he was before diagnosis but he doesn't "look like he's at the end of life" (not that there should be a particular look) but he just doesnt look too ill.
I guess im trying to figure out how long we as a family have left with him and if we need the family to start isolating in order to see him sooner rather than later.
Wondering if anyone has had any similar experiences and how they've dealt with it?
Thanks
Hi ,
I am sorry that you did not get a earlier reply here but glad to see you have poster in the bladder cancer group and managed to connect with people there.
My wife's cancer is very different but rather like your grandfather she has had just a couple of treatments, Rather I think to the surprise of the oncologist these have managed to stop the cancer growing (a cure was never on the table) and she has now been no evidence of progression for about 6 years.
I struggled at first - the unknown is never easy to cope with and did a living with less stress course. The mindfulness tips were very helpful as I realised I was in many ways suffering from a form of pre-grief and trying to work out how we would cope without her. The conscious breathing exercises were good for helping me to relax but also when something came out of the blue (never anything we might have guessed of course) they were good for stopping a sense of panic and being overwhelmed. The transcendental meditation tips though just made me laugh.
There are some great tips too in the guide Looking after someone with cancer because it can be both very hard and very rewarding.
<<hugs>>
Steve
