So here it begins..

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Hi helpful heroes

I have taken a few days away to digest the last few weeks and try and work out how to proceed from here. 

I had my oncology appointment and although originally they suggested chemo/radiotherapy they are now suggesting my cancer is possibly/probably too locally advanced. 

The new plan is 3 rounds of GemCis then look again. If it has done a good job then it will be on to radiotherapy. If it hasn't we will do another 6 rounds, I believe of GemCis. Then who knows, I will cross that bridge when I get to it.

After digesting all of the information and preparing for what is coming next I am ready to take on the next job. Albeit a slightly tougher one than I originally thought!

I was just wondering if anyone has been in a similar situation and could give me some words of wisdom. I originally had a 'small tumour' which turned into a 7cm that had breached the bladder and enlarged the pelvic lymph nodes. I had a CT KUB scan back in November that was clear.

I am a 'tell me how it is' kind of person. I deal with things as I find them, I just feel like the medical team have, for want of a better word, babied me and increased the diagnosis each appointment. Am I being over sensitive or is this just a normal thing?

Well, if I haven't bored you with my tales so far, I hope you are all having a good day.

Thank you again for being such a great source of information and support. It really does make this all a tad easier x

  • Hi Michelle,I’ve seen many specialists over the years.Some haven’t been helpful.The urologist who told me he didn’t have time to discuss my bladder because he was late for his round of golf was one.Others have been brilliant.I think that asking questions can help to build a rapport and usually if you say you want a direct answer you get one.Best wishes moving forward.Love Jane xx

  • Hi Jane

    Wow! A consultant of urology to busy to discuss a bladder!! You couldn't make it up could you..

    I agree with creating a rapport, hopeful now I will see the same one. I think that has been an issue too, I have never seen the same person twice. Probably as my appointments have been spread over three hospitals so far..

    Fingers crossed now we have a plan it will be a little more regimented. 

    Thanks for listening x

  • Hi Michelle,Yes I think he is up there with one of the rudest I have ever met.I could fill a book with consultant tales.One neurologist was so awful that his medical student came out to see me afterwards to apologise for his behaviour ! It doesn’t help when you keep seeing different people.I have been lucky with the current urology team as I have been a patient with them since 1998.A couple of the urologists have been there a long time so I have been able to build up a good relationship with them.It is a bonus to have some continuity.Love Jane xx