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@colleenyoung Thank you so much for the information, it is very much appreciated. This site is a wonderful source of support.
I'm not sure if you can provide this sort of information, but a looming question for me has been, if my family member decides not to opt for immunotherapy, what does the path forward look like in terms of disease progression? I would imagine we need to start looking into palliative care options as we would like to keep this person as comfortable as possible for as long as possible.
Thanks again!
Replies to "@colleenyoung Thank you so much for the information, it is very much appreciated. This site is..."
@knshopper @miscanthus, I think you are wise to seek out palliative care whether your loved one continues with treatment or not. Palliative care are experts in symptom management and comfort care.
It is hard to know how the disease will progress for each individual and at what rate. That said, this article from Virtual Hospice helps to prepare for the final days:
- Final weeks and days: What to expect https://www.virtualhospice.ca/en_US/Main+Site+Navigation/Home/Topics/Topics/Final+Days/Final+weeks+and+days_+What+to+expect.aspx
Hospice is care provided either in your own home or you can opt for residential hospice, meaning the patient moves into the hospice home. Hospice care is care specifically when the end is in sight, typically 6 months or less (this may vary where you live).
The important thing to know about both palliative care and hospice care is that there is support for family members too, including specialized social workers, chaplains, grief specialists and more.
Let me know if you'd like more information about palliative care and/or hospice care. Did you know that they are slightly different?
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@knshopper
Hello, I’m also interested in knowing what to expect, as bladder cancer progresses. My 79 year old husband has mild cognitive impairment as well as T1 carcinoma in situ. He’s had 2 rounds of BCG, immunotherapy, intravesical chemo and six TURBT surgeries.
Although he has handled all of this amazing well, it’s getting harder to deal with.
He does not want to have his bladder removed. And I’m concerned, with his MCI, he would not have
the capacity to handle the radial surgery and the long recovery. From what I’ve read, the anesthesia could push him into later stages of dementia. Postoperative Cognitive Dysfunction, it’s called.
Wondering what to expect if he opts to do nothing more. Maybe palliative care is the answer?
Wishing you well.