My Dad Has Bladder Cancer

Hi and welcome to the community, although sorry to hear about your dad and other family concerns. Bladder cancer can be treated successfully, and more so if contained within the bladder. I was 63 when diagnosed with muscle invasive BC. I am now 70. I managed to keep my bladder, but many here have had bladder removal and I am sure will be along to share experiences. It must be difficult for you supporting your family from a distance. It sounds early in your dad's treatment, and this is a one step at a time process. Feel free to ask any questions and there will always be someone here with an answer or support. I hope all goes well. Best wishes.

Hello Rily,

Thank you so much for your reply and for sharing your experience with me. I've seen that you reply to the majority of posts on this group and I think that's a really beautiful thing for you to do. It makes a huge difference to know that our voices are being heard and that we're not alone. I hope you're doing well since having your treatments. 

Thanks again,

Flo xx

Hi SandyFlo, rily is a star indeed. Just wanted to say that as a carer for so many to a greater or lesser extent, and this can be all those phonecalls as well as onsite practical, [especially with mental health probs like depression,] have you registered as a carer? and has your Mum? You both should I believe, as this can be the key to support that helps you [and you're already worried about your Mum] keep going. If you look up your own local Carers' Association they should be able to set up a Carer's Assessment for you and do likewise for where your Mum lives.

Meantime the Macmillan helpline are there for anyone at all affected by someone's cancer. I and others on here have found them a relief to talk to.

Best wishes, Denby

Hello SandyFlo , Sorry To Hear Of Your Dads Diagnosis It Can Be Devastating  Thinking Of All The Things That Could Happen Ect.  My Heart Goes Out To Him / Family That Been Said Its The Right Group Here To Ask Anything  Its Very Supportive  / Uplifting Indeed To Share Experience Of This Awful Disease  . I Can Have Empathy I Myself Am Male Aged 63 With Wife Family Grandchildren And Was Diagnosed With Bladder Cancer 5 Years Ago Took The Curative Option Chemo / Radio With Great Success However Sadly Following A Biopsy Recently I Am Scheduled In For A Radical Cystectomy  Next Week ( Taking Out Bladder / Prostrate / Lymph Nodes ) Very Daunting But The Aim Is To Get Rid Of Something That Has Caused Me Grief For A  Long Time . I Sincerely Wish Your Dad All The Best On His Journey Whatever Is Ahead . Take Care / Stay Safe Leoheart . 

Hello Denby,

Thank you so much for your reply. I didn’t realise that we could register as caters but that definitely sounds like something my mum should be doing. I’ll certainly look into it. Thank you xxx 

Hello Leoheart,

Thank you so much for your reply and for sharing your experience with me. It gives me a lot of hope to hear how well you’ve done and continue to do. I really hope your surgery goes well, you’re clearly a wonderfully strong person so I’m sure you’ll smash it. All the best to you and your family xxx

Hi SandyFlo,Welcome to the group.There is plenty of advice and support here.I had my bladder removed nearly 2 years ago and have a stoma.The bag is permanent but I haven’t found it a problem and live quite happily with it.Your dad should be able to do the things he enjoys once he has got over the recovery period.People recover at different rates but it usually takes a few months.I felt better after 3 mths but by 8mths I was so much better I was able to return to caring for my mother full time.You can swim with a stoma.I was going to go to a swimming group set up by my stoma nurse but then it got cancelled because of the pandemic.It is major surgery and the recovery can drag on.If your dad can get as fit as possible before the op that will help.I got a tremendous amount of support here pre and post surgery.You can have a full life after cystectomy.Best wishes Jane

Hello Jane,

• Thank you so much for sharing your story with me. Wow that’s quite the speedy recovery you managed to have! Incredible! My dad loves swimming, but he’s also very private and not the type to go to a club or anything- more of a wild swimmer but it’s still really good to know that he can still go  post Cystectomy. I hope he manages to regain his confidence enough to do it after the surgery. I wish you well on your continued recovery and hopefully you can get swimming again soon yourself! Xxx

Hi,I’m sure some of the men will be along to tell you about their active lives post cystectomy.I found the whole experience a bit of a roller coaster.I was glad to get back to gardening which I enjoy.I think you should be able to provide good emotional support from afar.That is very important.I had support from an aunt who lives over 3 hours away.She used to phone or text and that meant a lot as I was recovering on my own.We are all here to offer you support.Love Jane 

Hi SandyFlo Am Grateful For Your Kind Comments Its Much Appreciated And To Be Honest I See The RC Op As Another Challenge And Am Looking To A New Normal Me  Thats The Plan . Best Wishes To You All Thankyou Leoheart x