How bad is Bladder Cancer for an 84 year old woman?

Question

My Grandma has be diagnosed with Bladder Cancer at age 84. The Doctor told her that it is somewhat aggressive. She has to go for treatment every Friday for the next six weeks. Is Bladder Cancer something that you can die from easily? I am scared that she won't be around much longer. Any advise is great thanks.

Answer 1

At her age, operations and chemotherapy are very risky. Maybe it's time to let her decide...  

Answer 2

Since you said they are going to "inject a bacteria into her bladder", that implies the tumor is confined to the inside wall of the bladder; she's probably getting six treatments with "killed TB" after a "trans-urethral resection of the bladder" where they cut the tumor out, and then stimulate the body's own defense mechanism to attack any remaining cancer cells.  She'll be a little uncomfortable for about 30 minutes a week for six weeks while they do the treatment, and then she'll probably be just fine.  Although she'll probably need a hug!

Hopefully she doesn't smoke any more.  

Best wishes to Grandma!

Answer 3

"Joseph F" is right.  But if you truly want the details for predicting her prognosis, you must know the stage and grade of her bladder carcinoma.  Your grandma can get this information from her doctor if she wants you to have it. (patient confidentiality rules - it's her choice)

When you know the stage and grade of her disease, you can look it up online via the NCI or ask us here on YA.  There are a number of cancer specialty doctors and other very knowledgeable medical people on this site.