Bladder cancer in my 86 year old Dad

Hi Episkepsi and welcome to the group, although sorry to hear your Dad is in a lot of discomfort following his radio treatment. We know this treatment can cause extreme fatigue and it continues for several weeks after treatment finishes. I was a lot younger than your Dad when I had my treatment and still felt the fatigue. Mt GP prescribed steroid tablets to help which gave me more energy and an appetite. If your Dad can't get an appointment and you think Dad is getting worse, then it may be wise to call NHS 111 for advice. In the meantime, is dad drinking plenty of water ? It is important to drink lots even though he is having frequent urination. A touch of lemon barley helps get the water down and help the bladder. I hope all goes well. Best wishes.

Dear Episkepsi, if you're new here first let me say a warm welcome to an extremely helpful place. I can only myself offer sympathy and practical thoughts, as my husband, who is now 80, has not had radiation. 

Could you persuade your Dad at least to use a bottle so he doesn't have to go all the way, even if it isn't far, to the toilet every time? I suggest having a wide bucket to stand the bottle in, to avoid any spillages. I think you are entitled to pester the hospital cancer nurse specialist CNS and or GP as much as it takes to get help. Another idea could be a penile catheter and bag, if only overnight, so that he can sleep.

I'm sure those who have experienced radiotherapy will soon be along with more advice . My only other thought is please be mindful of your own needs if you are acting as carer to your Dad. There are Carers' associations in every area, and it's a good idea to get in touch to see what help, if only signposting to other agencies, they might offer. Some offer much more but it just depends where you are.

very best wishes, 

Denby

Welcome Episkepsi, so sorry to hear your poor dad is suffering this way.  It is very sound advice from denby and rily. I hope you can get some  help and he will get some rest, he must be exhausted. Stay in touch with the forum, there is a wealth of experience and care on here. Take care 

Hi Rily

Thank you so much for your advice. Was your fatigue caused by the constant urination or just a side affect? I know the importance of drinking water & I will suggest some lemon barley. He’s just worn out & every time he gets up so dizzy. I’m not sure how much longer this is sustainable? He is so exhausted. 

Hi Denby

Thank you for your advice, It is greatly appreciated. I wasn’t aware of some of the aids available for night time sleeping. After Dad was discharged from hospital earlier this week, we thought after the flush throughs, may of lessen the times he is going to the toilet but sadly this is not the case. We haven’t been told about the night time arrangements. Is the penile catheter something he fits himself? My Mum is with him thankfully but both elderly. They are both worn out. I’m grateful for your advice.

Many Thanks.

Hi, in haste, yes, the penile catheter is like a 'durex' with a tube to connect to a bag. The bag can be emptied when needed by a little tap.  There is skin friendly adhesive to help keep it in place on the penis. So nothing is inserted into the urethra. Not everyone gets on with them but it's worth trying.

I have bladder cancer but I can’t have any chemical treatment. I have had2 Turbt,s where they remove the tumours. They use a cauterising wand for this. I felt really well afterwards but 2 new tumours were found in a different area of the bladder. Next time they hope to use a laser but they can only be small tumours for this to be done. It does upset your nervous system and I I have had back pain and itching in my back. Otherwise I’m doing well. I hope you continue to to have successful treatment. 

Hi Episkepsi,Welcome to the group.I’m sorry your dad is going through so much.30th June seems a long time to wait in his situation and I hope he can get help before then.Despite the frequent urination it is important to keep up the fluids.If he doesn’t drink enough this will cause more irritation and increased frequency.Does your dad have a specialist nurse ? If so I would contact them.He really needs some assistance with the symptoms.Best wishes Jane