Palliative deteriorating

Hi my dad was diagnosed with bladder cancer spread to lymph nodes.  He had  radiotherapy when first diagnosed for symptom control and was told he wouldn’t have any other treatment. He has since deteriorated with poor appetite, weight loss and reduced activity. He’s not having any further follow up. Feel like he’s just been left to die. How do we know if it has spread or how long we have left with him. Can we request scans to check as he is the kind of man that would want to know. Is there anything we can do 

  • Hello Rjm and thanks for posting

    I am sorry to hear about your dad's situation and appreciate what a difficult time this must be for all the family.

    If your dad was discharged from his specialist team he may now be under the care of his GP. Usually when a cancer cannot be cured, treatments are offered to try and control the cancer and any symptoms a patient may have. Most patients will also be referred to a palliative care team at times like this, made up of both doctors and nurses (sometimes known as Macmillan nurses).

    It doesn't sound like your dad is having any contact from anyone at the moment. I suggest you reaching out to the GP so your dad can be properly assessed. Depending on their thoughts they can refer him to the most appropriate services to support both him and the rest of the family.

    We have a section on our website support at home for you and your family on our website of all the different services available to patients.

    Not all patients who are followed up will have scans as these aren't always beneficial to patients. However it is important that your dad is checked out by his doctor so if any further tests are needed they can be arranged.

    Sometimes sadly patients can deteriorate with time if and when the cancer starts to grow and spread further. This can bring on new symptoms and patients can become less active, begin to eat less and sleep more. However it will only be someone involved in your dad's care who can say exactly what may be going on with him at this point in time.

    I hope your dad can be seen by his doctor soon, do let them know all of his symptoms so they can prioritise him to be assessed.

    Please get back to us if you need any more information or support.  You may find it helpful to talk things through with one of the nurses on our helpline.  The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.

    Best wishes,

    Naomi