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Bladder cancer and excessive peeing at night

Brewb
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Hi, looking for any hints or tips to help my father-in-law.  

He is now 85 but diagnosed with protate and bladder cancer back in 2017.  He had radiotherapy for the prostate which the medical team thought would give him 2 years.  He changed his diet to vegan, drinks fresh carrot juice daily plus many other things to help make his body a poorgrowing environment to cancer.  He really is wonderful at the changes he has made to give himself the best chance but sadly the cancer returned in his bladder earlier this year.  After the procedure to check inside the bladder and take a sample of tissue the dr immediately said its doesnt look like cancer however, the sample said otherwise and they went back in for another look the following week and found his bladder had been perforated and gave him a dose of chemo there and then.  He (and his bladder) has went down hill drastically since then.  He was passing blood and struggling to control his bladder, regularly wetting himself but he has dealt with that with his usual attitide and carries on regarless but they started him on BCG with the desire to give him 6 doses 1 week apart.  He has managed 2 doses in 6 weeks as he ended up passing so much blood, then not being able to pass water at all which was horrifically painful so they catheterised him.  Now they believe he has taken a reaction to the BCG and will not do any treatment for 8 weeks until everything calms down. Catheter has been removed  and over the 2 weeks have been awful for him.  During the day he walks 2-3 miles and does all his own housework, cooking etc. Occassions wetting of pants but nothing major.  Nights are terrible.  He is up peeing every 15 minutes. Once his bladder is empty the pain is excruciating and he still has the urge to pee, all night long.  The nurse he communicates with (she specialises in bladder cancer I believe) has recommended a hot water bottle on his stomach but nothing else.  He has tried sleeping tablets but as soon as he lays down the urge to pee is uncontrollable. 

Has anyone suffered from this or has any ideas what to do to help him get rest?  We need him to get well rested and strong as there is a chance they will remove the bladder but just now he is a shaddow of himself due to the lack of sleep.  He literally paces the floor all night long due to the pain.  

Sorry this is so long winded but I need to do something to help ease this pain for him.  

Thanks for reading and any advise you give would be appreciated.

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    So sorry to hear about the problems with the nocturnal peeing, l would discuss the pain with the consultant via the secretary or GP surgery . Maybe the district nurse could help him. Could he wear a pencil sheath at night draining into a bag?  It would keep him dry That would also save the trot to the toilet but not ease the discomfort,

    l hope he gets help soon peeing all night is awful bad enough when you have an infection and it lasts a few days. 

    Susie

     

  • Offline in reply to Alfieisastar

    It's not the peeing that's the issue, it's the not being able to pee once bladder empty. He is still getting the urge, he tries to pee, nothing comes except pain. This is every 15-20 minutes for the past 7-10 days since they removed his catheter.

  • Offline in reply to Brewb

    Sounds like he's now got an overactive bladder , as all this must be distressing l would try to speak to his Medical team for further treatment and pain management. 
    The urge to pee and nothing coming but pain could be from his condition, the catheter may need to go back some people have them long term to ease problems he may find that more comfortable 

  • Offline in reply to Alfieisastar

    Hi, thanks for responding. He is in touch with the nurse but getting no help other than to use a hot water bottle. I will get him to speak to the dr. Thanks

  • Hello there

    I am sorry to hear about your father in law, it really does sound like he is having a rough time of it at the moment.

    Whilst I really hope some other people will jump on here and share some tips with you of things he might want to try it is important that his specialist team are aware of the severity of this issue and how it is now affecting him. I'm not sure if things were better when he was catherised but if so and of course I can't say for sure but they may consider popping another catheter in and seeing if this helps while everything continues to settle down.

    From what you say it seems your father in law is very good in looking after himself so I am sure already he is drinking plenty of water and is avoiding any trigger foods and drinks such as caffeine and alcohol.

    It does sound like the bladder is very irritated and overactive at the moment and it is important the doctor becomes involved to try and ease this for your father in law. so he can get some sleep and rest.

    I'm sorry I can't offer any more advice but please get back if you have further questions. You are also welcome to call the nurse helpline on 0808 800 4040, Monday-Friday 9-5.

    All the best

    Naomi

  • Offline in reply to CRUK Nurse Naomi

    Thanks for your response. He removed meat, dairy, alcohol and caffeine from his diet 4 1/2 years ago when he was diagnosed. He drinks in excess of 2 litres a day of fluids made up of water, fresh carrot juice and green tea but mainly water. His specialist team are aware, I'm just hoping someone has some tips to help relieve his symptoms 

     

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