Bladder cancer metastasis

Hello and welcome to the community, although sorry to hear about your mum and that her cancer has progressed. Palliative care is principally to help preserve the quality of life. This is done by preventing or treating the symptoms and side effects of treatment. Your mum should have the backup of a healthcare team of carers and nurses. Your mum's GP and hospital team should be able to help you with this. If you are caring for mum at home, there should be practical help available with mum's mobility. Your mum's GP should be able to refer her for this. Can I suggest you call the Mac helpline on 0808 808 0000 (open till 8pm every day). You will find them very friendly and informative as to what help, practical and financial, your mum may be entitled to. We have another group here you may like to look in, Carers Only . There you will find others looking after loved ones and may be able to offer advice. Be aware that palliative care can help and prolong an active lifestyle. We cared for my mum in law at home and then later on my own mum. We had great back up from the NHS and local council services. Sorry if all this sounds a bit too clinical. Best wishes.

Hello R-Lil

A friend of mine was also diagnosed with bladder cancer that spread to her lungs, liver and bones three years ago. She has been on the immunotherapy atezolizumab trial and the cancer has now gone as best the medics can tell.

Immunotherapy isn't suitable in every case but certainly worth asking about.

CB

Thank you for your reply and advice. She is 55 so in her head and heart wants plenty more years to live! It's her body that's letting her down. I don't feel that she gets very good support at her hospital. I have encouraged her to ring dougie mac who are in her area but they are a hospice and that word scares her to speak to them for further support. She also wants a second opinion but I don't know if that will cause extra pressure. I think she wants clarity on the short progression of her cancer. 

Thank you crustybladder. That is hopeful as immunotherapy is something that was brought up today. She has had chemo which completely wiped her out. Anything to help prolong and give her quality of life would be amazing. I will note that medication and ask at her next appointment as to which immunotherapy they were going to try. My mum is feeling very much that she has lost hope with her life so any hope I can demonstrate is much appreciated! 

Thank you crustybladder. That is hopeful as immunotherapy is something that was brought up today. She has had chemo which completely wiped her out. Anything to help prolong and give her quality of life would be amazing. I will note that medication and ask at her next appointment as to which immunotherapy they were going to try. My mum is feeling very much that she has lost hope with her life so any hope I can demonstrate is much appreciated! 

Just a couple of other points to note: the GP can refer your Mum to any hospital of her choice for a second opinion and treatment can be had at any hospital your Mum wishses, there's no restriction on attending the nearest in your area.

CB.

Thank you CB, that can be something we can discuss. I think at this stage she needs some time to process and understand what she 100% wants to do. Really pleased for your friend though and an inspiration!

My bladder cancer spread to the lymph nodes, liver and lungs but not the bones. After chemotherapy all tumours have shrunk. No cure but the oncologist explained how they can prolong life, although no timescale could be given. I also have a reasonable quality of life. After treatment we were able to get away for a holiday. Takes time and patience but be assured that your dear mum will get there. I took short walks each day and gradually went further. Some days I don't have the energy but this is quite normal.

Encourage your mum to try and think positively. It really does help.