My Partner has Bladder Cancer-

Ps I can't even type my name correctly due to Morning Shakes from my drugs, sorry it should read Yavapi.

I was diagnosed with Bladder Cancer in 2018 and had several TURBT's. This was followed by a 2 treatments of BCG over 6 week periods. Unfortunately the BCG did not work for me and I was found to have aggressive CIS and so was advised to have a Radical Cystectomy. This was carried out in May 2022 and I am now almost 2 years post operation. I was given a Neo-Bladder during the surgery and am now almost 2 years post op and doing well. I have learnt how to use my bladder and daytime is back to (almost) normal. Night time is different as I now have to either set alarms for 2.5 hours to urinate or wear a bag with a convene to allow me to sleep through.

I now go for cystoscopies yearly and have periodic CT scans and blood tests to confirm everything is working properly. Overall things are good and I am able to do everything I did prior to surgery.

Obviously treatment will vary by patient and consultant but hopefully sharing my experience will help you.

Many thanks for this, i'll pass them onto my partner. But what are Turbt's and CIS.?

He admits when he's had catherter and a bag, he's able to sleep at night, so has almost prepared for this type of outcome. I'll keep you posted, if i can find the link again.

Happy Easter, x

Hi,

Sorry after a while you get used to using abbreviations and forget that not everyone knows what they mean.

TURBT is a Trasurethral Resection of a Bladder Tumour and is used to take a biopsy or remove cancer from inside the bladder.

CIS is Carcinoma in Situ which is a group of abnormal cells that are potentially or could become cancer.

Happy Easter to you and I hope all goes well.

Hello Yavapi, I had a Radical Cystectomy in September last year after two failed treatments with BCG. My family and decided that that was the best way to go long term instead of Chemo and Radiotherapy with an uncertain outcome. I now have a very good chance to be cancer free without need for further treatment. It's now 7 months later and I haven't had a single regret. I've learnt to live with my ileostomy pouch and collection bag overnight. No more getting up in the night is a real bonus. I felt fully recovered after 6 months and I can do anything I did before the RC. I hope your husband gets another chance at BCG, but a Cystectomy is not the worst outcome. All the very best to both of you.

Thank you so much, my partner was so thrilled to hear about you treatment, and now isn't too fearful of the future. His recent Renal Blood test - ie advised his one kidney is working well. He had the other taken out early on as the cancer originally started in his urethra, which had to be removed.

He had his CT yesterday with Iodine, not keen on all the water he's had to consume, but i explained it helps flush the iodine through, having had similar myself for BC.

Thank you so much RC23 for your input, this is the magic of these forums, providing needed support. my partner can't do online, so i'm glad you can help me help him. My partner has had surgery to remove one kidney and urethra, then both Chemo and radiotherapy, one BCG, the rest failed due to UTI. Now we have a light at the end of his tunnel. so many thanks once again. Yx.

I'm so glad if my message was of some help to you both. You're in my thoughts and I have my fingers crossed for you. If there are any more questions, come back and hopefully someone can help.

Hi Just a simple Qn, Why is it that my partner has been advised not to drink any of the following, Coffee, Tea or Blackcurrant, do they perhaps irritate the bladder lining?

Hi Yavapi . Yes, caffeine is a diuretic and irritates the bladder causing frequent urination. Also try and avoid fizzy drinks. Some people find decaff coffee ok. Best wishes.