Dear All
My mother was diagnosed with bladder cancer - Stage 1 Grade 3 in April this year. Its hit us all hard because my father passed away quite suddenly a couple of years ago and my mother is still adjusting to that.
We were told the only possible treatment for her is the BCG. She completed her first 6 week course in July. Once the treatment course was started it was administered by the nurse and we didnt see the doctor even once. We finally saw him in October when he did a follow up Cystoscopy. Then she started the second round of BCG which was only supposed to be 3 weeks.
However she only got as far as the 2nd week because the burning, fever, shivering was just too much for her. Its now been 3 weeks since the second course was stopped and she is in constant pain in her neck, back and knees. She did have a bad back already but we cant determine whether this never ending pain is a side effect of the BCG.
I would be grateful if you would share your experiences and suggestions for how you managed the pain? Please note she is 80 years old!
Thank you
Hi and welcome to the Online Community, although I am sorry to see you finding us and so sorry to hear about your mum.
I see you have joined our very supportive Bladder cancer group, this would open up your concerns to a wider audience who know exactly what you are going through at the moment.
Just follow the link above then go to the 'Start a Discussion' tab and set up your own Discussion and introduce yourself to the group - you could just copy an paste what you have in this first post.
As I was the person with the cancer my experience of supporting someone is very limited, although my wife has been amazing over my 20 years. You may also find ourCareers Only and Friends and Family groups to be good places where you can connect with others support family through their cancer journey but more importantly the carers care for each other.
You may find our various Macmillan Support Line Services to be helpful - call them on 0808 808 00 00 This free service covers Emotional Support, Practical Information. Clinical Information, Financial Support and Work Guidance mostly open 8.00 to 8.00 but check the link.
We also have our ‘Ask an Expert’. section where you can post questions to our mostly Volunteer Experts but please allow 2 working days to get a reply.
Talking to people face to face can help a lot so check to see if you have any Local Macmillan Support in your area or a Maggie’s Centre as these folks are amazing.
All the very best.
