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My dad has a mass on bladder and kidney not functioning

Bladder Cancer | Last Active: Dec 21, 2022 | Replies (260)

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@colleenyoung

Hi @formydad, you are in a similar position I was in when my dad was diagnosed with colorectal cancer. My mom accompanied him to all his appointments and was his main caregiver. My job was to research, help them know what questions to ask and support them. My mom especially appreciated my supporting her need for more information. My dad didn't want too much information. He just wanted to deal with things as they happened. Thus I equipped my mom with the symptom tracker from the American Cancer Society. It helped put her mind at ease that she wasn't missing anything. Here's the link:
- Tools to Monitor Treatment https://www.cancer.org/treatment/treatments-and-side-effects/tools-to-monitor-treatment.html
- Chemotherapy for Bladder Cancer https://www.cancer.org/cancer/bladder-cancer/treating/chemotherapy.html
- Side effects of gemcitabine and cisplatin (GC) https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/cancer-in-general/treatment/cancer-drugs/drugs/gc-gemcis/side-effects

Your dad won't necessarily experience all of the possible side effects. However some chemo drugs are known for specific side effects. His team knows that the combination of gemcitabine and cisplatin reduces white blood cells, so they are taking preventative measures by prescribing growth stimulating factor Neulasta to boost the white blood cell count (WBC). The WBC need to be at a certain level to be ready for the next chemo session. They will also watch for signs of peripheral neuropathy, numbness and tingling in fingers and toes. Keeping track of the side effects will help your team get the dose right for your dad and give medications to help if necessary.

How often will he be getting chemo?

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Replies to "Hi @formydad, you are in a similar position I was in when my dad was diagnosed..."

My mom - not much of a dog person- as she was bit as a child and fears them is very concerned about dogs being in the room as they get chemo- i told her they were therapy dogs but shes not thrilled.. anyway shes worried about cleanliness of that- also she had a question about food? How to feed him as he goes through this?