Father-in-law diagnosed with bladder cancer...

[3prettyprincesses]

What can we expect? He had a tumor removed recently but they weren't able to get it all. Another surgery is scheduled for end of July but we're all concerned for him. Several years ago he had prostate cancer and has not had any recurrences from that. Now he has bladder cancer. Anyone have good advice for him? I think he's nervous and we're all worried. Thanks so much in advance!

 

[C.Ann]

Well - everyone is different, but hopefully this will be encouraging.. I know of a woman (through a friend) who was diagnosed with bladder cancer over 5 years ago.. If I remember correctly, it's incurable -but after having surgery and going through follow-up treatments, she is living a very full life.. They have put no "time frame" on her life expectancy - just deal with the issues as they come along - and her entire family takes it in stride..

Hopefully the same will hold true for your FIL.. Just encourage him to get the best care - ask LOTS of questions - and "don't give up the ship".. He could very well have good years ahead of him..

I wish him - and the entire family - the best..

 

[starann]

Depending on how invasive the cancer is he may need to have his bladder removed, which means they will place a urostomy bag (like a colostomy bag, but for urine). He will have it for the rest of his life and someone will need to learn how to change it and manage it. If he ends up with this, he will probably have a visiting nurse come out to show him and fmaily how to mange it.

Chemo and radiation may also be an option.

HUGS!

 

[Tina]

My 80 year old grandmother just went through bladder cancer. She was lucky enough that her cancer was on the outer wall of the bladder and not in the muscle. She had surgery to remove the tumors and followed that with (I think) 8 weeks of chemo once per week. She just had her 3 month checkup and is still cancer-free.

 

[3prettyprincesses]

Thank you all for your replies! As I said, we're all pretty concerned. He's almost 80 and has had prostate cancer, bone cancer and now bladder cancer. When they initially went in to remove the tumor, they weren't able to get all the edges apparently which is why he he to go for another surgery. He's not too happy about that! Anyhow, thanks again for the replies and positive thoughts. I appreciate it.

 

[mickeyboat]

My grandfather had bladder cancer, had treatment and lived many years afterwards. He finally succumbed to brain cancer, that came on and took him very quickly.

 

[teskak]

My FIL had it for 4+ years before the mets got him at the age of 85.
His case is not usual as he was 20+ years post stroke and so he had the cognition of a 5 year old (or less) for most ofthe time, making surgery more difficult.

His surgery was done through a catheter up the xxxx where the cancers were burned off. Overnight stay in hospital each time, no medications