Cancer spread to liver and pelvis - experience

Hi Helen, 

so sorry that you’re here. Firstly. Please please please stay off the internet for advice, there is so much mis information out there..

if I have read your post correctly, your dad hasn’t been diagnosed with anything yet? So try not to overthink everything. Once you get procedures done and get results then you will have a better picture of what’s going on…

myself and my experience…Feb 24 I started peeing blood…after going to GP and having biopsies on my bladder, I was diagnosed with Bladder Cancer…the wonderful NHS have removed it and I’m undergoing  treatment to keep it away…nearly two years later and I’m still having the treatment but am all clear and living a normal life…

this is easier said than done…but please try not to stress…it won’t help you….( hope that doesn’t sound harsh) the waiting for results ect is the worse part…this site is full of wonderful people who are going through the same thing as you, im sure they will come long and explain much better than I can…

Nigel xx 

Thank you so much for your kind words Nigel, you’re right they haven’t had a formal diagnosis, only going on the basis of doctors ‘best guess’ of what they’ve seen on the camera and CT scan. I think the suspicion that it is cancer and that ‘it’s spread’ has instantly sent us all into a spiral of how much time we’ve got, but it’s good to know from your experience that once we know what we’re dealing with it should be easier for us to cope with, and I’m so pleased to hear that your experience has been positive.

Thanks so much for taking the time to reply, I really do appreciate it xx

Hi Helen, waiting is the hardest part…when your Dad goes in for his TURBT ( to remove the tumour in his bladder) dont be surprised if he has to stay overnight in hospital and have a catheter fitted..( I did) also he may have to have another TURBT a few weeks later to double check they got it all…that’s standard,,,these things all take time…I have a suspicious cyst on my kidney which they have been watching for two years now, but it’s too small for them to do anything about it…ask any question on here and someone will come along for you…no question is silly….and again please stay away from the internet…..

Nigel xx

That’s really useful to know about the TURBT Nigel thank you, it really does mean a lot knowing that kind folk are happy to share their experiences, and will absolutely stay off the internetxx

Honestly Helen, this site has got me through the past two years…also have a look to see if there is a “Maggies” centre near to you…it’s somewhere you can go for a coffee and a chat…

I use them, they re also brilliant…

Hi Lumos 90,

From what you say your dad is to have an operation to remove his bladder tumour soon (known as a TURBT) and today his doctor told him to keep as fit as possible so he can have the operation. It usually lasts an hour or so and he may need to stay overnight. They send what they get out to pathology to find out what sort of cells there are in it.

Keeping fit usually means keeping  moving, despite feeling weak, daily walking is how I did it, breathing as deeply as possible. It is important because the operation needs a general anaesthetic.

They may give him some information just after the operation. In my case I was called for a face to face meeting about 10 days later once tests are completed and a multi-disciplinary meeting is able to review results. It is important for the medics to get as clear information as possible so they can decide on possible treatments

Don't Google indiscriminately, look at the Macmillain leaflets, they are clear and accurate and downloadable. NHS info is also OK plus Cancer Research.  With others you run the risk of frightening yourself with stuff that may not be relevant.

In my case, my cancer was at stage where they needed to remove my bladder but had not spread. That was 3 years ago and I'm still doing fine. There are others here who had other treatment that has kept them well for years, even though they still have cancer.

So please don't jump to conclusions before you know exactly what is going on. It's hard but you will soon have a clearer picture.

All the best,

Latestart

Thank you Latestart for all the advice and for sharing your story, I will share with my dad your suggestions for making sure he is well enough for the op.

It’s positive to hear that you are doing well after having your bladder removed, I’m sure my dad would do that gladly if it removes the risk, I think we’re frightened now by what it means if it’s elsewhere too, but really take on board what you and Nigel have said to not jump to conclusions until we know more, thank you.

Hi Helen,Welcome to our friendly group.I hope you will find it helpful and supportive.As Nigel has mentioned it’s not uncommon to have a second TURBT a few weeks after the first.The waiting is horrible but once your dad gets his results a team will meet to decide what treatment would be suitable.It usually gets easier emotionally once you know what will happen.Best wishes Jane x

Thank you so much Jane, really appreciate the support and hopefully won’t be long until we know what we’re dealing with, he’s certainly been seen quickly so far xx

It’s best to take things a step at a time so it’s not as overwhelming.I’m glad your dad is being seen quickly.There is a lot of experience on here so if you have any questions or worries do post.There is usually someone who can advise.Jane x