Worried - mum is having treatment for metastatic bladder cancer but still not eating properly and has lost weight. Will this improve with more treatment?

Hi can someone please give me some help or advice or can confirm what’s happening is normal??. My mum has metastatic bladder cancer which has spread to her kidney and lung. She has received her first round of Padcev and Keytruda. We had an appointment with her oncologist last week and he was pleased that since she started treatment her back pain (which was severe) has more or less gone but he is concerned because she’s not eating. She is more breathless and struggles just to do basic things. She has been struggling to eat for a while now and has lost weight. We have had an appointment with dietitian which was really helpful but my mum still isn’t really doing what the doctor and dietitian want her to do. She is having a blood transfusion on Wednesday and begins her second round of treatment Friday. I suppose what I’m asking is will this all improve with more treatment. She looks really poorly and myself and my family are finding it really hard. I just want her fit enough to carry on with her life. She’s just too weak at the moment. Thanks 

  • Hi Faye01,

    It sounds as if you are going through a very stressful time. Did the dietician prescribe any build up drinks for your mum? These would help to keep her calorie intake up, when she is not eating. I am having a similar problem with my husband at the moment and find these helpful. The best person to advise whether this will improve, would be her consultant or specialist nurse, as they know all of your mum's medical history.

    I sincerely he that things improve for you all. We are always here for you.

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx

  • Hello Faye01 and thanks for your post,

    I am sorry to hear about your mum. This must be a very difficult time for you all.

    Your mum's doctors are probably in a better position to give an opinion as to whether your mum may improve with more treatment. Her team will be assessing your mum to see how well she is before each treatment. The doctors need to make sure that her blood counts are a good level and that she is strong enough to cope with another treatment.

    You may find that her blood transfusion helps with her energy levels and may help with her breathlessness and I do hope that that is the case.

    Do encourage your mum to drink fluids throughout the day particularly in the hot weather that we have been having.

    Do discuss any concerns that you have with the doctors so they are aware of any problems that your mum is having at home.

    Hopefully the dietitian has given your mum ideas to help with her diet.

    We have some pages on our website on taste changes and loss of appetite which you might find helpful to read through.

    You and your mum are welcome to ring and chat through any of this with the nurses on the helpline.

    The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open Monday to Friday 9 am to 5 pm.

    All the best,

    Catherine