Dad recently diagnosed stage 4 bladder cancer

Hello NikkiS. Sorry to hear about your dad's diagnosis. I have not had removal, but know it is a big operation and they need to prepare for it. A couple of weeks should not make a great difference, although the waiting can be awful. I am sure others with experience of this op should be along to share experiences and offer advice. Best wishes.

Hi NikkiS,I’m sounds like they are classing your dad’s op as urgent.I know it doesn’t seem like it but that is not long to wait.It’s a big surgery and as rily has said they do have to prepare for it.There is advice and support here.Several of us have had this surgery so we can help.Best wishes Jane 

I have stage 4 agressive bladder cancer. The stage 4 means that it has spread to other organs. I had 3 rounds of chemo, then the operation which removed my bladder, prostate & several other parts. This is called a Radical Cystectomy. This operation is the 2nd largest operation you can have & by far the biggest operation in urology. It involves about 10 hours on the operating table. The timing will be advised by your oncologist, but controlled by your surgeon. The surgeon will have a queue of people waiting for the operation, fitting your father in, within 2 weeks, seems very quick to me. Other people have probably been delayed for this. Only the best surgeons carry out the operation & it's usually done robotically. Not just any old surgeon can do this. Each hospital may only have 1 or 2 surgeons who can do this work.

Which other organs are affected by the cancer?

Thank you so much for replying and sharing your story.  We were told the cancer hadn’t spread which I know doesn’t tally with stage 4, but I went to the appointment where they told us so I know this part is correct.  It’s just the stoma op he is looking at now because they said his kidneys are not functioning.  They said he cannot have the chemo until after they are working better.  So we are waiting for the appointment, recovery, then plan the first chemo. 

It’s really encouraging to hear you have the three chemo sessions and then it was operable.  We’re really hoping this is going to be the case.  I just worry about these additional weeks without the chemo as it gives it more time to spread.  

That’s so interesting.  I have another friend with a type of blood cancer who went paleo and it massively altered how she feels. Thank you so much for sharing with me.  I really hope you are ok the mend now 

 My GP told me to eat plenty of ice cream! A bit of a "what the...?" moment! High in sugar, high in GI, high in dairy.

I had read the most sensible post re foods and other matters -choosing my words carefully here- and wholeheartedly agree that people with cancer and those interested in them should have access to the best information. Not just the info the people in 'the business' want them to have.

Denby

Denby raises an interesting point. Cancer sufferers like me have to constantly kick & scream against this lack of knowledge & at old fashioned oncologists who won't even look me in the eye when they speak to me. About my own oncologist, I compalined to so many people, I think they sent him on a course. He is now very good & comes over to speak when I am in the treatment room. I keep in constant contact with a qualified ex-NHS dietician. It was her who helped develop my diet.