ANYONE???

[mochashasha]

I JUST RECENTLY FOUND OUT THAT MY GRANDFATHER HAS BLADDER CANCER. HE UNDERWENT SURGERY AND THEY REMOVED HIS WHOLE BLADDER. I WAS TOLD THAT THERE WERE SEVERAL COMPLICATIONS AND EVEN AFTER THE SURGERY WAS FINISHED HE DEVELOPED AN INFECTION WHICH HIS BODY IS STILL TRYING TO FIGHT OFF. HE DOESN'T HAVE ENOUGH STRENGTH TO MOVE HIS ARMS OR LEGS. I KNOW THAT HE HAS BEEN SICK FOR A WHILE BEFORE THIS...NOT TO MENTION HE IS ELDERLY. I'M WONDERING WHAT THE CHANCES ARE THAT HE WILL BE ABLE TO BOUNCE BACK FROM THIS AND ACTUALLY BE ABLE TO LIVE A SEMI PRODUCTIVE LIFE WHEN RELEASED? ARE THE CHANCES OF HIM BEING RELEASED EVEN GOOD AT THIS POINT?

[Fernando Roque, MD]

Hi.  I think it would be better for you to talk to your grandfather's attending physician or surgeon since they are in the best position to answer questions regarding his post-operative health status/survival, or how long he's going to stay in the hospital.  If your grandfather has heart disease or a chronic lung problem, these may have to be treated and stabilized as well, before he's cleared for discharge.  I cannot tell you by how much his odds of survival are increased after the operation.  I don't think there are available data for that.  There are too many variables involved in post-operative recovery and survival to be able to give an accurate statistical estimate.

[mochashasha]

Well his bladder cancer was advanced, I guess that's why they had to remove the whole bladder but it hadn't spread to any other organs. He has a history of heart problems, arthiritis and lung issues. He still has yet to gain strength in his appendages but is still alive...so would it be safe to say that he's in the clear or at least that his odds of survival have increased?? If so by how much? When do you think he will be released from the hospital and able to return home?

[Fernando Roque, MD]

Hi.  Your grandfather's chances of surviving will depend on the stage of his cancer (stage refers to the extent of the cancer's spread) and his state of health before the operation.  He has a greater chance of surviving and thriving after the operation if his cancer is at an early stage, and if he is in generally good health with no long-standing illnesses (like diabetes or heart disease) prior to the operation.