One off radiotherapy

Hello Jo_S2 and welcome to the group, although sorry to hear your dad is in some discomfort. I had a full course of radiotherapy an didn't find it too bad. I believe the one off treatments is to relieve some certain symptoms. With regard to catheters, I have had a few and managed them quite well. As you say, his first one may not have been fitted correctly and it may be worth while trying it again to stop the frequent visits which can be really exhausting. Best wishes.

Hi rily, thanks so much for your welcome and reply, it is really helpful.

Take care of yourself Jo X

Radiotherapy is often used when other treatments are unsuitable. Mine was not a single high dose session but 2 weeks of medium dose which successfully stopped the continuous bleeding for about 3 months and also restored normal frequency.  Ultimately, when the medics had come up with a plan B for my treatment (an emergency TURBT No.2, then palliative care) it was found that a permanent foley catheter was the best way to prevent my scarred bladder from expanding and contracting, thus preventing the excessive bleeding which kept recurring when my bladder was left to normal urination. I've therefore had urethral catheters since late 2018, each remaining in place for up to 12 weeks. Generally, they are comfortable but can feel sore for 1-3 days after insertion. It may be worth reconsidering having a catheter because, particularly overnight, they allow an uninterrupted night's sleep. You do get used to being careful when sleeping so as not to pull on the catheter and tubing. Even during the day I use a 2000ml bag which I empty when I start to notice it at about 1000ml. The 500ml leg bags which most  people use need emptying far too frequently when, as a typical bladder cancer patient, you are drinking 2-4 litres a day.  Best wishes to your dad (I'm 74).

Ray  

Hello Ray, thanks so much for replying to me :) it's such a help. I'm going to show my dad what you and rily have wrote and hopefully it will give him confidence in trying a catheter again (dad is 79) look after yourself, Jo X

Failing an inserted catheter, there are the penile sheath collecting devices attached to a bag, which do work for some men. I wouldn't've known about them had I not taught pottery many years ago at Headway. A delightful gentleman in my class who had been left wheelchair bound and incontinent by a sever stroke had one of these. They can come off sometimes which obviously can result in being wet, but it's worth checking out.

Hello Denby, thankyou for your reply. I think that would be a good first option to try. 

Take care, Jo X