Hello Tammy ..........
I hope my experiences can be of some help in advising your grandfather. When my prostate cancer re-appeared about 3-1/2 years ago, I was first admitted to the hospital via emergency 911 call in early 2011.
It was my first kidney failure - along with serious breathing problems from my COPD. It was determined that the kidney failure happened because of a blockage of both kidneys - by the metastisized cancer.
I was hospitalized a second time in January of 2012 with kidney failure - at which time they placed nefrostomy tubes on each kidney. By June of 2012, I was back into the hospital with kidney failure - this time with a creatine level of just over 14.0!
That is when they kept the nefrostomy tube on my right kidney and for my left kidney - placed an internal stent. My kidneys have been functioning for 25-months with the stent + nefrostomy tube. My left kidney barely functions - but my creatine levels since June of 2012 have been between 1.8 and 2.0 every month. They are checked monthly.
When my PCa metastisized in late 2010/early 2011 ..... my ribcage was affected. As you can see below, I have been on 7 either HT's or chemo since 2011. I just started my 8th - or my 3rd infused chemo - called mitoxantrone. My recent baseline PSA was at 89.30 last week just before my first infusion of chemo #3!
While my ribcage has stayed very much the same as nearly 3-years ago (my first bonescan) - organs affected have been both adrenal glands, liver, one lymph node, a recent pelvic tumor - and of course, blockage of the kidneys.
I have been tolerating all of the treatments although my G.I. system has been strongly affected ... and getting weaker and much more tired. I am 71 years old and a recent echo cardiogram results come in showing a strong heart.
That's very much my PC and Kidney history.
If you haven't already - try to find a support group for caregivers. You need it! Without you being healthy - where would your grandparents be?
Bless you
Peace and wellness
Rob & Gizmo