Bladder cancer in my 86 year old Dad

Hi Denby

Thank you for clarifying this, maybe something to consider. He’s so weak & tired but the issue due to the radiation treatment is the he wants to empty his bowels at the same time as his bladder. As it’s every 15 mins I’m not sure how this would work as he would still need to get up to use the toilet.

Thank you for your advice.

Hi Episkepsi,Has your dad’s urine been checked for infection lately ? That is worth doing if not.Jane 

Hi

Im pleased your doing well, thank you for sharing your journey with me. I wish you a positive outcome & good luck with the lasering. I wasn’t aware of that process, such a great font of information from you all. Best wishes.

Hi Episkepsi,

I wonder if you could get a commode to put by the bed in this case? It would save the steps to the bathroom and back if he could just slide across. I'm sure your mother could help him use it and clean himself, after all it must already be wearing her out as well.

I'm not sure where one gets such a thing but perhaps the GP or district nurses could help. These days hospitals seem to hire equipment for people at home after hip replacements (eg they got me frames over the toilets for a while after mine) Or they may think of another way around it. 

Good luck 

Latestart

Hello again Episkepsi, Thank you for the further details. It does indeed sound like a hellish ordeal that your dad is enduring and must be very difficult for your mum and yourself as you try to help him. I feel for you all because in 2017-2018 my experience was very similar except for the order of treatment (radiotherapy first). My symptoms were excessive bleeding, clots and blockages which the radiotherapy suppressed for a few weeks, then an emergency TURBT temporarily stopped it for a few months and another TURBT got me to where I am now, still prone to spells of bleeding and with an in-dwelling urethral Foley catheter which can stay in place for up to 12 weeks. The catheter and associated urine collection bag makes the tendency for bowel movements at relatively short notice much easier to manage as the urine side is constantly taken care of. There is no feeling of needing to 'go' as drainage is continuous into the bag. Long term catheter usage is not ideal and mine do tend to block after 3 weeks but with flushing which I carry out myself I can make the catheter last up to 10 weeks before replacement is necessary. If your dad is not having excessive bleeding and clotting, a long term catheter may be an option. However, I'm not a medic. You can only ask your dad's team whether there are options and see what they offer for your dad. Many forum members have been through harrowing periods with different treatments before a reasonable treatment/life balance is found. My 5+ weeks in hospital, 22 units of blood (transfusions) and a permanent catheter eventually sorted me out, much to my surprise. I live independently, drive and generally survive despite being on a palliative treatment regime. Discovering this forum was a 'god send' as it increased my background understanding of the overall bladder cancer scene as well as providing moral support when things wear me down. I'm crossing fingers that your dad is given appropriate support so that he can weather this storm. Ray x     

Absolutely a commode is the solution. In many areas the Red Cross provide a hire service. Also worth requesting on Freecycle and Freegle, commodes go round and round on sites like that and there may be facebook ones too in your area.

Liners are now made with absorbent pads that soak up the entire contents, the bag is lifted out, closed and binned so not even any need to 'empty the bucket' or clean it.

Denby

Wow that makes it much easier - technology has certainly moved on. Thanks for that, we may need to know it ourselves one day

I got some equipment for mum via the Red Cross but I can’t remember what.Some was supplied via the physio.