My dad has a mass on bladder and kidney not functioning

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?

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?

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?

Nutrition is a great question. It is possible that your dad's appetite will be affected by the chemo or that food taste will change. Cancer survivor and dietitian @marykaym63 has some good suggestions in this discussion in the Breast Cancer group:
- Nutrition during and after breast cancer treatment https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/nutrition-during-and-after-breast-cancer-treatment/

Here are some other discussions to read:
– Nutrition and Cancer: Getting protein in my diet https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/nutrition/
– Healthy diets for cancer patients https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/healthy-diets-for-cancer-patients/
– Video Q&A Cancer-Fighting Foods https://connect.mayoclinic.org/webinar/cancer-fighting-foods/

Formydad, Have you had an appointment with an oncology dietitian? They can be so helpful with suggestions.

@formydad You are so right to ask lots of questions before your dad gets his chemo. Therapy dogs are specially trained and must meet health requirements before they can visit. Your mom or dad just have to signal no and the dogs keeper will stay away. Research has shown that some people (but not all) depend on and thrive from the dogs’ visits. We used to allow patient’s pets to come in for the day. Nurses really relaxed when the dogs were there. And everyone washed their hands real well!
I think @colleenyoung answered the question about diet. I agree with her, to try and meet with a dietician

Yeah thats almost exactly what i told my mom!
But she about flipped her lid when she saw a dog walk in the office... i told her it was prob a therapy dog for patients just not everyone is a dog person and with dogs going everywhere these days.. grocery stores -hardware stores and more. it was just a shock for her to see one walk in the doc office... i told her its prob not gonna change and just to let them know”politely” that you dont want them around you... 😬🙄be nice about it mom😊i said

Yeah thats almost exactly what i told my mom!
But she about flipped her lid when she saw a dog walk in the office... i told her it was prob a therapy dog for patients just not everyone is a dog person and with dogs going everywhere these days.. grocery stores -hardware stores and more. it was just a shock for her to see one walk in the doc office... i told her its prob not gonna change and just to let them know”politely” that you dont want them around you... 😬🙄be nice about it mom😊i said

Yeah- i was just leaving target tonight and a dog walked by me on way to check out- what is happening?