Bladder Cancer

Should be extremely tired and loss of appetite.

Hi FloGlow . Following radiotherapy, there is usually a cystoscopy along with scans to determine how things went. In my case, a rigid cystoscopy with biopsies taken, along with both CT and MRI scans. My GP prescribed steroids to combat tiredness and these also gave me an appetite. I hope all goes well. Best wishes.

Thank you for your quick reply.  It is only just over two weeks before he sees the oncology specialist and so far only has an appointment for a CT scan despite sending emails to both Oncology and Urology as he has been unable to speak to either on the phone despite leaving messages for them to call him.  It is all too much for him as he feels so poorly.  He was doing so well up until recently.

We are assuming that the oncology specialist appointment is to let him know the outcome of the treatment as it will be over 3 months since he completed it.  Are we being too optimistic?

Thank you again and I will suggest to him that when speaking to his GP again he mentions the steroids - were they just a temporary measure?

Kind regards

Hi FloGlow . My steroids were just a short term course. Can't remember what they were as it was a while ago. Not sure how they will be able to know the outcome without relevant tests, but I may be missing something. Best wishes.

Thank you again for your kind reply.  The steroids definitely sound interesting.

Kind regards

Hi

I have recently had a nephrostomy and a radical cystoscopy. I am on steroids currently too, prednisone, because they stopped my anti rejection drugs for my transplant so i could have the surgery.There are pros and cons to steroids so it's worth a chat with your gp and your oncology team. I've been on mine since April and I've put on nearly 2 stones and though I have energy, i do not sleep, I'm up all hours, my skin has changed,  I swell like a balloon and I now have sensitive teeth. I can't wait to get off mine,  but i have to stay on them until they can put me back on my usual tablets once I heal properly.

Another family member has cancer too and he has been given protein shakes instead and this has started to make him feel a lot better so there are alternatives. 

Fingers crossed your husband will start to feel better soon. Rest is good for him

Thank you for your kind reply.  The steroids sound absolutely awful.  I give my husband protein drinks  daily and have done since he had the radio therapy several months ago.  He was doing so well until he had the temporary nephrostomy a week ago.  He is due a permanent stent in the next few weeks.  It is all very worrying as normally he is very fit and played golf 3 times a week.

Kind regards and hopefully you will soon be off the steroids.