My dad has Bladder cancer

Good afternoon Jackie1965. I’m sorry to hear that your Dad is having these problems. I can’t anticipate what the anaesthetist is going to discuss. I can’t only speak from my own experience. Being only slightly younger than your Dad I had a biopsy under anaesthesia but because of other medical issues I was offered a spinal injection to anaesthetise my lower half as this would be less strain on my heart and lungs. The procedure was carried out successfully and I offer it only as a suggestion of a possible alternative, best wishes to you and Dad, John .

Hi Jackie

It's unfortunate that your father's TURBT was cancelled. The procedure although not long in duration does require an anesthetic and a period of recovery after. I myself had the spinal which numbs the body from the waist down. On the day I had mine a lady who was also in for a TURBT was sent home because she had a heavy cold. They just won't risk it if there is any sign sickness. Iam not sure if there is an alternative but when your father gets the call make sure to make notes.  It think its unusual for the anesthetist to call , but there may be other options. Please let us know hiw he gets on  

Best Wishes 

Mark

Hi Jackie,Welcome to the group.I’m so sorry your dad is not being treated satisfactorily.I hope you can get further forward with the anaesthetist and the dr.Best wishes Jane x

Hi Jackie, glad you've messaged us, we are all here to offer support if we can.xx  I can certainly understand how heartbreaking it has been to watch your dad deteriorate, particularly after your mum's illness. Bladder cancer is not uncommon in older folk and hospital teams are used to identifying a range of treatment options to accommodate individual needs, like the spinal anaesthetic option for TURBTs. After a TURBT it takes approx 2 weeks for biopsy results to come through system. Once the stage and grade of the cancer is known, the Multi-Disciplinary Team have a meeting to decide what they can recommend. Generally you then have an appointment with a consultant to consider next steps. You should also be introduced to your dad's Cancer Nurse Specialist. These nurses are like gold dust in terms of smoothing contacts with hospital and MDT. You really are at the most frustrating stage of the process while tests are done and waiting around for results, but do take heart things will improve once your team know what they are dealing with. Sending best wishes Hx

Update on Dad ,the anesthetist Dr called him today they are not going to do anything now until Dad has his CT scan on 24th May ,Dad is very weak ,not really eating and we have to just wait ,He is now saying he has pains in his back ,he looks so poorly ,but can't do anything until this CT scan in two weeks .I have a phone call with his GP on Wed as I out a compliant in as all they did was treat him for infections for over a year ,This is so awful to gonthrough I feel so helpless floor Dad relying on consultants amd what they say ,Dr won't do anything either he said until Dad has the Turbt ! 

Dad has carers who are useless ,I've complained to the local council and have to watch what they do for two weeks and time them ,to tell you the truth they can't wait to go when they come  never have conversation with him ,just make a sandwich and leave, I come to him every night after work to make sure he has a good meal and spend time with him weekends ,cleaning ,making sure he is eating etc .

I just don't know what else I can do 

I really feel for you doing your very best for your dad and being in this horrible situation.Do you think he needs to be admitted to hospital ? My late mum had far better treatment from paramedics than her GP’s and was always admitted when she stopped eating because of pain.She didn’t have cancer but numerous serious health conditions.Jane x

my heart goes out to youJackie. You are doing your utmost and are probably exhausted to boot. i wondered maybe ask the GP if there is something he can drink to build up his strength , if he isnt eating . I am not up to date with prescription drinks , maybe ask and see if they would advise that .
It is a horrible helpless feeling watching someone you love suffer. I hope he gets help quickly.  sending you my love to give you strength