My dad is a very stoic quiet man and has not shared his bladder issues. Now a tumor was removed two weeks ago that did invade wall. That is all I know. While he is youthful and sharp in many ways it would be a nightmare for him to have routine visits. He thinks removal means he is all fine and I am terrified about future suffering. I think I should just accept, but as someone who researches everything and has suddenly been pulled into service here I want to do the best for him. Any thoughts?
I mean if it were me, I would do some natural things and be looking at palliative care. I think chemo, etc. at this point of life may not be in the patient's best interest.
Good luck.
Here is your first post. You received some good answers here.
If you don't have this information, you are setting yourself up to spin on a hamster wheel. Your dad is in charge here if he is mentally competent.
Does dad have documents in place such as financial and medical POA, advanced directives? If not, this is the time to get them done.
Read Atul Gawande's On Being Mortal. Ask dad the questions posed in the book about what he wants his "end game" to look like.
It is sad. A poor design plan but we all have to work with it.
I second Barbs opinion on reading “Being Mortal”. It’s a great book and can help you adjust to the realities and gently lead dad to do the same.
If you google Atul Gawande’s Five Questions you will find several articles, interviews.
It could help you before Wednesday. It might be helpful to start the conversation with dad a bit before the appointment. Give him a chance to think about what you are asking.
BTW, No decisions have to be made on Wednesday but you could advance the situation with his doctor and see if he seems like one you and dad can work with. It’s also like Alva said. Need to drill down a bit with dad and see how he wants to spend his final years. Deep breaths. Your energy will feed dad’s.
Also, if it helps, ask dad about the documents now. You could use the visit as an excuse if dad is the type to be reluctant on making them available.
“dad, let’s see if those docs you signed are still in order, in case we need them”.
It’s nice to have someone to lean on a bit in times of uncertainty. If he sees your mom has someone to protect then all the more reason to have things in good order.
Let us know how it goes. We care and learn from one another.