fathers long journey

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Fri, 20 Jul 2007 13:00:11 +0100

Hello Cathy, so glad you found us, but so sad to hear your story.

It sounds as if your father is in good hands, is a strong willed person, and will be able to overcome this. I know that is hard to think of that at this time, but just know, so many others have endured the same process and we will be here for you through thick or thin no matter what. There are so many success stories on this forum in which may be helpful in reading.

Cathy, you are more than welcomed to "Prattle" on all you would like. There is not going to be one person here to stop you. That is what this board is for.

Please keep us updated and if at anytime you need to talk, just feel free to talk away.

You and your father are in my thoughts and prayers.

Alice - Alice L.

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Fri, 20 Jul 2007 11:52:49 +0100

Cathy,

Sorry to hear your father's bladder cancer came back after so many years being pronounced free of it. If no IVP of the kidneys and ureter were done during his years of surveillance and check ups, the kidney and ureters may have had cancer cells there for some time yet undetected until it once again showed up in the form of a bladder tumor. My initial urologist-oncologist said he wanted to order an IVP of my kidneys and ureter not only because I was having recurrences and the source of the bladder tumors could have beeen coming from the kidneys or ureters but also it was routine in their practice to do an IVP at about the two year mark for bladder cancer surveillance. I have now had 3 IVP's in my seven years and feel relieved to have clear reports each time even though my bladder cancer itself keeps recurring. Did your father have any such tests done during his years of surveillance for bladder cancer? Not that it will remedy anything for your dad at this point in time, but it could give others who read this thread some needed insight. As a word of encouragment to you dad, tell him my husband had his kidney removed because of cancer 5 years ago and is doing quite well. He needed no other type treatment after the removal of the kidney except a CATscan at the one year mark. He has been clear since. Rosie - Rosie

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Fri, 20 Jul 2007 11:16:44 +0100

Hi,

I'm sorry to hear that your father's cancer came back and progressed further after so long cancer free.

It's good that he is going to a specialist in the field of uro-oncology, it's a complicated disease sometimes and it's good to have an expert involved.

I understand that yes, the ureter (the tube that drains the urine from the kidney to the bladder) having cancer means that kidney would have no way to drain once it is removed, so the kidney goes too.

I hope things go well for your father, and wish you all the best.
Wendy - Wendy