Bladder Cancer

Thankyou so much for sharing- it really will help my dad make his decision what to do

Thankyou so much for your response - it’s very much appreciated 

Hi Ellie.M, I’d say your father’s choice would depend on his biopsy results, that is the Stage and Grade of the cancer found. A major factor is whether the cancer is muscle invasive or not. If it is muscle invasive it is more likely to start to spread. Also relevant is your dad’s age and fitness level. Bladder removal is a very big surgery, takes hours to perform, and generally takes people months to recover full fitness afterwards. I was 70 and Grade 2 T1 so not muscle invasive. I decided to have BCG which so far 5 years later has kept the monster at bay. Part of my decision was based on my life style. I live alone and my daughter is 200 miles away so coping with the surgery recovery felt like it would be very challenging. People’s reactions to BCG vary but I found it pretty manageable, I could drive myself in and out of hospital for the doses and like Ma Baker’s husband just arranged to spend a couple of days doing not much. Best wishes to your dad and glad he has family members like you supporting him. Do reassure him there are many different successful treatments for bladder cancer. Hx

I agree.A lot depends on whether it’s muscle invasive and how aggressive the cancer is.Mine was very aggressive and the pre op symptoms were hard to cope with.I think discussion with the consultant/surgeon is so important beforehand so you can ask questions and have as much information as possible.Surgery is not possible for everyone and it is a big operation.

Thankyou very much for your response- it’s very helpful

Thankyou very much for your response- it’s very helpful

Hi Ellie,Did the consultant offer much advice to your father ? 

I’m not sure really. We’re getting lots of help & support now, so all will be well, Thankyou

I’m glad you are getting some support and we are all here too.love Jane x

Ah Thankyou Jane