Hello
New to this group - thanks for reading. My relative is 85 but independent and has developed muscle invasive bladder cancer with no spread thankfully. The urology doctor suggested that palliative radiotherapy might be the best option with an outcome of less than 2 years if she did nothing. The oncologist however suggested that she could have radical radiotherapy with the potential to cure it but we are concerned about possible side effects and impact on quality of life. She has been told she could consider the 6 dose over 2 week palliative option or the lesser once a week for 6 week option or to do nothing. Its a difficult dilemma as at the moment she has no symptoms but some difficulty bladder emptying. Does anybody have any experience good or bad with this treatment in an older person? Would be grateful to hear so thank you for reading this post!
Hi ReeneeW and a welcome from me. I was 63 when I went through radiotherapy . I had daily radiotherapy sessions for six weeks and tolerated it quite well. The latest protocol if your relative goes that way is now 4 weeks. Side effects were tiredness which lasted for several weeks and erratic bowels for a while. So far no long term effects. I hope all goes well whichever way they choose. Best wishes.
