Hi everyone
I just needed somewhere to express my feelings I guess. Dad (80) who has stage 4 bladder cancer (high risk NMIBC) and probable kidney cancer had his kidney resection last week. What was a stressful day on the day of the operation has just turned into what's felt like a week of uncontrollable crying and periods of just pure fear for me.
The operation went well with removal of all tumours and part of his kidney, but did take several hours. He was initially prepped for 2 nights in hospital but due to bowel issues ended up spending 5 nights there. With me being up in Scotland, several hundred miles away, I am so glad my sister and brother were around to be there for him.
The day he was released from hospital I got sent a photo of him in tears at being at home and it just broke me. I think it's been this week that the enormity of what he's going through has really set in. I think it's taken some time to get used to (as much as you can!) the reality of my elderly Dad having cancer and start to prepare myself for what could be to come.
I've found myself waking up in the middle of the night and checking that there's been no messages. I guess being so far away is adding to my anxiety. I very nearly broke down in the barber's chair yesterday when he asked me if my Dad was ok. I somehow managed to hold it in until I got home.
Me and 3 of my siblings have a group chat, which has been so good at allowing us to share how we're feeling. Dad is seemingly now recuperating well at home. We now have the agonising wait for the kidney biopsy results.
Sending love and light, Mike
Hi 81Mike welcome to the forum..I am so very sorry to hear what's been happening for you none of which is easy..I think we always think of our parents as super strong and very wise but it challenges all of us when we see them.vulnerable and you are not alone..it's OK to feel what you are feeling and it's OK to break down and cry if you want. Please so always remember nothing can ever prepare any of us gor what's happening and the possible journey ahead..It's great though that as siblings you are supporting each other and being able to express how you are feeling. Sending some hugs your way and very best wishes Gail
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Well, today my Dad has a phone call scheduled. Someone is phoning him at 2.30pm. We assume it's the results of the kidney biopsy but with scant details from my step mum we're not sure. Feeling as cautiously optimistic as I can be but the anxiety really creeping in.
Just to update he got the results yesterday but I'm still in a slight state of confusion about it all. My step mum's initial message after he had a call was 'All ok, no more treatment'. Obviously recognising that this was just for the kidney's and not the ongoing monitoring of his bladder cancer. When I asked for specifics, i.e - so it wasn't cancer then, she replied no.
Later, when pressed for details by my brother, my step mum revealed that it was indeed 'low grade cancer' but they removed it all during the operation. He also has a follow up call with the consultant in just over a week. I'm just baffled and bewildered by the initial reluctance to provide information when we're all so worried.
Sorry for bringing the family drama, just trying to make sense of it all when it's putting such a strain on the whole family.
Mike
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