The Route To Diagnosis

Hi Sarah. I hope you are well. Could possibly be. The usual initial and most reliable  procedure is a flexible cystoscopy. A camera is inserted in the bladder via the urethra for a visible inspection. Anything untoward will be seen. If any suspicious cells are seen, then the follow up would be a resection to remove them. This is a procedure called a TURBT (trans urethral resection of bladder cancer). This is usually done in day surgery, but can sometimes involve an overnight stay. Biopsies will then be sent off for analysis to confirm if cancer, and if so, what type. CT and MRI scans are routine to check no spread elsewhere and to give them a better picture of what they are dealing with. Biopsies will determine a stage and grade and thus determine he next steps. Does this sound familiar? Some people can be very stubborn thinking they are protecting others, but as we know, it can be just as stressful for family, especially the not knowing. I hope it works out ok. Best wishes.

Hi Sarah,I’m sorry to hear about your in laws troubles.I had been on regular surveillance as I had pre cancerous changes for 14 years before they turned into cancer.I bypassed our useless health centre and contacted the urology dept directly.This was done on the advice of an out of hours dr as I couldn’t pass urine easily.I had a flexible cystoscopy on 30 April 2019 which showed a 3x3 cm lumpy area which looked suspicious.10 June I went in for a cystoscopy under anaesthetic and a TURBT procedure to remove the tumour..I returned for the histology results on the 3rd July and was diagnosed with Squamous Cell cancer..CT scan was done on 21 July.First meeting with surgeon oncologist on 27 August and bladder removal on 30 September 2019.I hope you can find out what is happening with your father-in-law.It must be such a worry.Love Jane xx

Thanks so much for this rily. Yes, he thinks he’s protecting us all, but we want to help and he just says he can look after himself! But if he is unwell, who looks after his wife? She has 2 different types of dementia, hence the fall downstairs in the middle of the night.

I did wonder if the TURBT would involve an overnight stay or was a day case procedure. He just won’t say and it’s so frustrating! I was suspecting maybe he had the cystoscope and the mri and a Ct and now he was moving to a biopsy type stage.

My in laws are unaware that I have 2 stomas, but I wonder if it might help him to be a bit more open if I reveal I have had my bladder removed. They are quite difficult to get talking! Appreciate your guidance with this and I may well be back with more questions if we can get some more info. 

Sarah xx

Thanks so much for the info Jane. Various things make me think he has been having issues for some time now. Last time we saw him after a few weeks he had lost a significant amount of weight and suddenly looked much older-he’s 76 but always been very fit and healthy. I just hope he’s ok, but concerned that he needs to get any tests done that are required. You’ve been very helpful with your response. Hope you’re doing ok yourself? How’s the house clearing going?

Sarah xx

Hi Sarah,I lost weight before diagnosis especially in the face.When my next door neighbour told me I looked ghastly it was a bit of a shock but she was right.Perhaps mentioning your stomas might help to get some conversation going.It is a difficult situation.Your experience of major surgery is so valuable and helpful,though it must have been an enormous life changing experience.I’m ok thanks though extremely stressed.I’m making progress with the house clearing and the executor stuff.Love Jane xx

I really noticed in his face Jane-suddenly he looked quite haggard and his hair looked much greyer. He did really look exhausted and unwell. Having gone through cancer, I suppose I’m hyper alert when I hear about tests and scans and “procedures” as it brings the memories of my own diagnosis right back. 

It’s very difficult for you coping with all the clearing out and legal stuff. I know whenI had to do it I was so glad when it was all over, even though I didn’t have nearly as much to do as you’ve had to do. It was mentally so draining. I hope you’re taking some time to take care of yourself too. 

Sarah xx

Hi Sarah,I looked haggard before the surgery and worse after it.It took a while to regain the weight back in my face but I looked much better once it returned.It is mentally and physically draining clearing the house.Hopefully I will be able to relax once it’s all sorted.That seems some way off though.Love Jane xx

So, it’s like dragging teeth, but yesterday got one more piece of information. The inpatient  procedure is a prostate biopsy and a bladder “scrape”. 

Any gents had this done? I’m not sure what the “scrape” is! Thank you.

Sarah xx

Good morning SarahH21. The prostate biopsy is self explanatory, as for the bladder scrape I recall somewhere on this forum someone referred to a TURBT as a bladder scrape . rily has referred to this in his earlier comment, kind regards, John.

Ah, yes Wally-thank you. I presumed the scrape would mean the TURBT, but I’m on a learning curve with bladder investigations as my own was simply whipped out! 

Sarah xx