What level of pain/ uncomfortability did you experience with cystoscopy? Also wondering about weight loss/fatigue symptoms
My father has an urgent referral for suspected bladder cancer and has a scan with contrast this week, cystoscopy beginning of next.
He has a traumatic brain injury so can become easily confused and distressed with even something such as a minor routine change, so im worried if he experiences too much pain he could potentially be unable to tolerate and see the procedure through to completion?
Im aware different people will have different experiences but im just hoping to get some idea anecdotally if this is going to be something particularly painful for him? Just to give me an idea of what i might expect so i can best support him.
That is my main reason in writing this post, the following may be tldr so you dont have to go further,but I felt i needed somewhere to write some additional stuff if anyone wanted to chime in on anything there also. Im not doing too good mentally from the worry and although we arent at point of confirmed diagnosis yet that might sound silly to some. Its just Ive seen my Dad through 2 previous cancer types of cancer, which were luckily cured but im noticing a similar pattern, along with my 'gut feeling'
I lost my only sibling in traumatic circumstances and promised him in my last moments with him id look after Mam and Dad. I feel ive managed to fulfill this to the very best of my ability but in times like this im reminded of how much of his support im missing as my parents age. Id love to be able to talk to him and say the word 'Dad' knowing that it means the same to us both and relates to the same person and familial dynamic.
There has been a 'spotlight' shone on grief and loss again for me and i believe im experiencing 'anticipatory grief' and having some C-PTSD symptoms alongside. Not helpful when i know i need to be strong to help my parents. Myself and my Mam already care for Dads complex health needs since his brain injury,with her taking on the lions share at 76 due to them living together. I simply cannot allow myself to sink when im all they have left.
He has had blood in his urine with infection ruled out thus far.
When attending a GP appointment regarding this, urine and blood testing were done and as a result of findings in either one or both of these the GP ordered urgent investigations. He had lost a little weight in the weeks leading up to this which i mentally noted.
After this GP appt (literally a few days) I noticed weight was dropping off him more rapidly and is continuing to do so (he is still eating but appetite very surpressed and can only have very small amounts )and extreme fatigue causing him to sleep most of the time. It has all happened so quickly. Im attributing this weight loss and fatigue as a physical symptom of the potential cancer as opposed to stress being that Dad doesnt really understand what is going on with his health.
Has anyone else had any experience of this rapid weight loss with fatigue symptom before/ during diagnosis but before treatment? Im aware it can be an indicator of advanced or fast growing cancer and this is my worry.