Hello Everyone, I see I'm a little behind! I'm glad that Mom has been keeping you up-to-date on everything that has been going on with dad though.
Our visit to the GRRCC on Tuesday was quite enlightening, and my entire family came out with a more positive attitude. The oncologist we saw was lovely, and she has referred dad to "her" thoracic surgeon and is also bringing his case forward to a pathologist at the facility as she would like dads biopsies reviewed. I wouldn't say she seemed overly impressed with the pathology report from here in Guelph...almost a little "red flag" went off when she discussed that. There was no comparison between the original tumours from Dad's bladder and the "metastases" which surprised her, only a comment that with the history, the tumours in the lungs are "consistent" with metastatic bladder cancer. It sounded wishy-washy to me, I'm glad it sounded the same to her.
Anyway, she felt that if indeed the cancer was only in two spots of the lungs, that they may be able to removed (the tumours only), and then dad could be given chemo. She is happy with how he is doing, he's gained >20 lbs since being home for the last two months, and is looking good. So, we should expect an appt by the end of next week with the surgeon to discuss all of this. Dad seems keen to do it...wants the cancer out!
I didn't make it to the urologist appt the other day, although wish I had in a way. He just seems like he doesn't know how to explain things to laypeople that's for sure. So he did the scoping yesterday, said there is some scar tissue that he can remove. I had asked dad to ask about the sphincter replacement (I think that is what Zach had done) and the procedure for that, and whether it would be covered by our Ontario Hospital Insurance Plan, but he forgot. If the scar tissue is really what is causing the pain, then it would be nice to get rid of it...and I don't think leaking more is that big an issue...I really don't think dad has any control at all. Ultimately though, we'd like to get that fixed, especially if there is a good likelihood of dad surviving the lung cancer....I wouldn't want him to undergo too much now until we know about that, but we were even wondering if there is a way to convert his neobladder to a pouch, or just make a conduit out of it and give him a bag...whether that would at least get rid of the leaking and make dad more comfortable. Anyway, I guess we'll discuss that as it comes!!
Ultimately, we are all in a slightly better place after dad's appt at the GRRCC...even if they are only able to offer palliative care, it seems like the place to be. The people were lovely. Certainly a more "team" oriented atmosphere where the doctors and nurses work together and try not to undermine each other...that will be refreshing!!
Thank you all again for your support. This has certainly been a difficult time! We are so happy we found this site, it has been immensely helpful to discuss this with people that have been through this (although I think most of you have had far better experiences, which is very good!!).
Anyway, thanks again!! andrea