Hello,
Firstly I want to start off by apologising if I come across as insensitive as I appreciate a lot of people here have had a cancer diagnosis and I haven't. I'm experiencing a lot of symptoms and I'm scared to death about my outlook but have no one to turn to or speak to so wanted to reach out to for help/advice on this forum.
I'm worried that I might have bladder/cervical cancer and it has spread.
Bladder symptoms - re-occurring UTI's (I literally just had one last month and now have another), always have blood in my urine samples even with no infection present as well as white blood cells, have had my flow measured and been told it's really slow and also been told that my bladder is sitting low.
Cervical symptoms - abnormal amount of yellowy discharge, recently experienced brown discharge mid cycle, cervix is inflamed and the area where I had a polyp removed is raised/thickened? I did do a smear test recently and I was negative for HPV but many are diagnosed even when HPV negative so it doesn't give me much reassurance.
I also have really bad lower back pain and right side pelvic pain where I need to sleep with a heat pad every night.
I always get told that it's normal to have a bit of blood in urine samples, same with the discharge (even though I tell my GP that I have to wear a pad) so I never questioned it, which looking back is quite silly. I know seeking for answers on Dr Google is bad but I can't help myself, I'm like a moth drawn to the light. I read some people are diagnosed with just blood in their urine or abnormal discharge and that terrifies me as my symptoms have been going on for many years but seems to have exacerbated in recent months? I'm terrified that I have some sort of cancer and it has spread or at an advanced stage.
It's been a real struggle to get referred for tests at my local surgery, they always say I'm too young (I'm 35) and that my symptoms are normal or that it is because I'm stressed. I decided to go private through work but the wait is equally just as long. It's taking a couple of weeks to get a consultation, then another couple of weeks to get the test done and then another couple of weeks to get a follow up consultation then another couple of weeks for any further tests then follow up - not sure why tests/scans can't be given at the same time?!
I'm seeing a private urologist and was finally booked in to have a cystoscopy this Friday but it may be delayed because of my UTI I'm due to see a gynaecologist on Friday but that's just an initial consultation.
I've also gone to A&E when the pain got too much but they put it down to UTI, they just do a blood and urine test and send me home.
It's funny how it's advised that you catch cancers early as it's more treatable but it seems like it takes some people many months/year to get a diagnosis.
I feel depressed, desperate and scared, I have two girls aged 5 and 7 who I want to see grow up.
I know no one can diagnose me on here so I'm not sure why I'm writing this tbh.
Nobody would be more pleased than the people on this forum if your symptoms are due to something not serious and easily treated.
What is clear is that you're suffering a considerable amount of health anxiety at the moment, and that's a horrible way to live. Please seek help for this regardless of the result of your tests.
Hi Lolie and welcome to the Online Community but I am sorry to hear about your ongoing challenges and we can all understand how stressful this all is...... we have all been in a similar situation at one point in time.
Navigating health issues and trying to get answers can be hard and stressful but let's hope that there is a simple reason for all this but if you do find yourself actually on a cancer treatment pathway there will be lots of help in our varios cancer specific support groups.
During this time of not knowing you may find it very helpful to call our our amazing team on our Support Line available 7 days a week, 8am-8pm on freephone 0808 808 00 00, email or live webchat where you will find one of team there to help you out and listen.
((hugs))
You replied to the wrong person, Mike. It seems to be happening all over the place at the moment.
Yes Lolie it happens from time to time ........ sorry for that happening MumofGirls ((hugs))
Hello and I’m sorry to hear you are going through this. I just wanted to say I am a similar boat to you - several worrying symptoms that together point to an advanced cancer diagnosis and I too am waiting on investigations. I just wanted to say you aren’t alone and I know exactly how you feel. The waiting and uncertainty is absolutely agonizing. I really hope you get positive news.
Hi Dollarydoos and a warm welcome to you.
The diagnosis part of the journey can be long at times and this results in a lot of stress but I do hope that you get a clear answer soon and please do come back to us and we will do our best to connect you with people who have first hand experience of the same journey.
Thank you Mike - appreciate you replying to me on someone else’s thread. I will definitely reach out once I know more.
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