Supporting my dad

10 years 2 months ago - 10 years 2 months ago #45700 by CatherineH
Replied by CatherineH on topic Supporting my dad
Hello and welcome... I'm so sorry your first post is such a sad one for you, and for us. Every time we hear of another person or family devastated by this dreadful disease, it is a punch in the gut. And I am very sorry that your Dad has had to endure so much pain over the course of his battle. We don't care about the correct lingo... we're just happy you are here and know that your comments or questions will never be judged.

Providing love and support to your Dad as you have already done is the greatest gift you can give him. As hard as it is, or may be yet, your presence will mean everything to him. I wish I had more comforting words to share with you but I have not been in a close caretaker role as some of our other members have. I'm sure you will hear from some of them as well. If you have been reading the forum for a couple of years, you have probably already read some of their remarkable stories.

I'm glad you came here to seek support and sharing for yourself as well. It just seems to lighten the load a bit if you can talk to others who understand from this side of the bc war... again welcome.

Best wishes... Catherine

TURBT 1/21/10 at age 55
Dx: T2aN0M0 Primary Bladder Adenocarcinoma
Partial Cystectomy 2/25/10
Vanderbilt Medical Center
Nashville, TN

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10 years 2 months ago #45699 by dhva
Supporting my dad was created by dhva
I have been reading this forum on and off for the pst 2 years as my 70 yr old dad has been battling bladder cancer. I understand he uses the forum. You all are very courageous and inspiring. My dad had a round of chemo when he first found out in April 2012, then had his bladder and prostate removed and received a neo-bladder. His post surgery chemo was horrible and almost killed him to the point he had to stop about 3/4 of the way through. He had a long recovery but the neo was doing well and he was cancer free and had a good summer in 2013 and was very active. Around Labor Day he started having discomfort when making a bowel movement, which progressively got worse over several weeks. He ended up in severe pain and was rushed to the ER. They had been doing all kinds of tests and thought Crohns, colitis, etc. About 8 weeks ago he had a colostomy bag done - they still could find no cancer and his pet scans were clear. Well, today he had exploratory surgery at Moffitt in Tampa and they confirmed his cancer has returned in the rectum. They took several biopsies to determine prognosis and treatment, but I am almost afraid to hear the next report.

As most of you know the battle with bladder cancer is horrible and an emotional roller coaster, but I am going to dig deep and support my dad whatever this next round may bring. I felt compelled to finally join the forum and I welcome any encouragement or thoughts from anyone who has been through a similar situation. Also, sorry if I do not have all the correct lingo on the procedures, etc.

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