Hand hold please

[sunshinesusan878]

Found out today that my dad has bladder cancer. The tumour was removed a month or so ago and because he is only 55 and relatively healthy we thought that would be the end of it. However his consultant has told him that the cancer has spread around the bladder and the whole thing needs to be removed followed by chemotherapy.

I'm so worried. This is a major op and with covid everywhere too I'm so scared things will be even more complicated. They have said they will do the operation soon. I just don't know what to think. Can he recover from this? Just need some positive thoughts and reassurance.

So sorry to hear this OP.
It's good they can operate though isn't it? And soon too which is good.

Yes I'm trying to stay positive. I just don't really understand the prognosis. If it's just in the bladder and that gets removed it might be all ok?

I am currently having chemo for breast cancer.

Firstly try not to worry about covid. It's all managed very well in cancer departments.

Regarding the cancer, the treatments are incredible these days. The chemo options are manageable and very effective. The fact that they can operate is great. Trust the doctors and trust the treatment. All the best to your dad.

Sorry Op.
If it’s any assurance my friend (51) has lung cancer and has just had Covid. He his having some more chemotherapy tomorrow.
All the best wishes for your dad.

Hope you're staying strong OP. I wish your dad the best of luck in his operation x

I don't feel very strong. I took for granted that once the tumour had been removed it would all be ok. I just can't believe it.

My dad had his bladder removed due to cancer (along with other bits n bobs) he has a bag now but living a good life xx

My DH was diagnosed with bladder cancer 4 years ago. He had 2 surgeries to remove the tumours and has been having BCG immunotherapy treatment ever since - they put the drug into the bladder, once a week for 3 or 6 weeks and then do a follow up camera to check to see if it is working. So far so good. We are on a FB group called "Fight bladder cancer: support" which is great - lots of positive stories, including people who have had cystectomies (bladder removal) and are living life to the full. All the best to your Dad and you.

Bladder cancer is one of the 'nice ones' if you see what I mean. Please try not to catastrophise as I'm sure all will be well ultimately

@felicity I was going to say it was a "better" one for males to catch cause it's very curable but didnt know how to word that

Thank you all, this is helping. He is also really well in himself. No weight loss or malaise or anything. Only symptom was blood in pee. I'm trying to acknowledge all the positives but it's really scary. And it's horrible seeing him so upset too.

I know someone much older than your dad who has been through it and out the other side healthy x

Thank you all I'm trying not to google too much and just think positively.

A friend's husband was diagnosed with bladder cancer at the start of lockdown. He's in his late 70s with other health conditions.
He's had an op and chemo and has been told he'll probably need two more ops.
He's also been told that his prognosis is very good

Best of luck & (easy for me to say I know), try and stay positive and don't panic x

Thank you it's really helpful and reassuring to hear about people who have gotten through it. At the moment my mum and dad are both talking very negatively so I need to hear some positive stories.