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supporting mam after bladder removal

Sheasy
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My mam is 75 and is about to have her bladder removed. She lives alone and I live close but worry that I can't always be there as I work full-time, the consulatant said it will take 3-4mths before she will be feeling herself again but 6 mths to fully recover.

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    Hi there Sheasy, I'm so sorry to hear about your Mom having to have  her bladder out because she has bladder cancer. I also have bladder cancer, but up until this point, I have been treated with BCG and cystos every 3 months. So far I still have my bladder, but I don't know for how long. I know it is a huge surgery and of course, at 75 yrs. of age, it will be really hard on your Mom. If she lives alone, this won't be a good thing. She will really need someone with her for a few weeks anyway. I know this will be hard for you if you work full time. Is there anyone who can help her out while you are at work? Talk to her doctor to find out what may be available for in home care for her after she's home from hospital.

    Good luck with it and come back on the forum and let us know how she gets along.

    Take care.

    Lorraine

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    Hi Sheasy,

    As your Mum is to undergo surgery for her bladder to be removed I think (if you are in the UK) the hospital would not discharge her home until some sort of care plan has been put in place. I assume that her medical team are aware she lives alone and will need support.  Before my aunt with discharged following surgery (though surgery for a different cancer and aged 84) arrangements were made for district nurses to visit twice daily and it is also possible to arrange through either social services  or Age UK to have a direct care link phone line (operated via a button worn on wrist of on necklace so if you feel you need help you press the button and a reliable relative or keyholder can be notified. (My Mum had this service when she lived alone and proved a godsend when she had falls or felt vulnerable).  I hope this helps a little. Wishing your Mum all the very best with the op and her ongoing recovery.  Come to the forum as and when you would like to chat. Regards Jules54 

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    Thanks for your advice. We do live in UK and just seen specialist today its going to be about 4 weeks till op and she going to have another ct scan before op to check if its spread further than the bladder. Fingers crossed it hasn't.

  • Offline in reply to Sheasy

    Hi Sheasy,

    Sounds like treatment plan is underway and as you say, fingers crossed there has been no spread so that the op can go ahead as planned. . All the best. Jules

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