how others cope with bladder cancer

Hi . Sorry to hear the reason you find yourself here, but welcome again. The early days of uncertainty can sometimes be the worst. Once a treatment plan is place, things become slightly less stressful as you know something positive is happening and you have a goal to focus on. It seems as though you have had a couple of recurrences. After removal of the first tumours last year, did you have any further treatment? We know this thing can sometimes have a habit of coming back. The benefit of close monitoring is that things can be caught early and dealt with. Best wishes.

Hello k.man

I think we all get the shock of our lives & can't function properly.  It took me until the 3rd procedure before I realised I wasn't about to drop down dead suddenly.   If it weren't for the lovely people on here I'd've still been in a right state, sobbing morning, noon, & night … you know how it is.  I get taken in every 6 months, tumours removed & off I go until the next time.  Although I was supposed to have 6 Mitomycin treatments, but I had an allergy to it where the bladder itched for an entire week!!!!  So that was the end of my treatment.  I've never been offered BCG.  I just accept it for what it is now because I'm tired of stressing.

All the best x

The BC path can be very different according to each diagnosis & how things proceed. Quite a variety of experiences in this forum.

My brother had several low to medium grade recurrences over a few years. He got very fed up with TURBT & recovery but thankfully for him he became clear for sufficiently long to be discharged. Mine took a different path, I assumed would be same as my brother so was really shocked to hear mine was high grade & needed aggressive treatment.

To cut a long story short, I chose bladder removal, wanted best chance of cure among other reasons. That was 8 years ago & I have no regrets - I consider myself cured although I will be on life time follow up, partly just in case, but also to monitor my altered plumbing function.

I never thought I'd join a support group for anything, but I found this group immensely useful. Hence I've stuck around in case I can help any 'newbies'.

Hello k.man, timing of your post was very apt for me. Unfortunately yesterday's 3-monthly cystoscopy showed  I have another reoccurrence (my 2nd)  this time mutilple, superficial TCC. Discussed with lovely CNS who just appeared Cystoscopy Suite to see me afterwards (great treatment from N.Devon District Hospital thanks be for the NHS). It's back to the beginning, another TURBT, wait for the biopsy. Hope it's low grade Hope I can keep plodding along the BCG road. The multidisciplinary team will advise and my lot have been spot on. I echo BLANKET's wise words, I also try to accept it for what it is, stressing takes too much energy. Wishing you well. x

Oh Herothedog . What a bummer. Sorry to hear things didn't go as well as hoped. The usual anxious wait now for the next appointment, but you have been there before and we all know the feeling.  Keep your chin up . We are thinking about you. Best wishes.

Thanks Rily, I'm so grateful for the support and information you and the others all give on this site. My hospital have been totally on the ball. Yesterday the CT scan unit phoned to offer a scan date. This morning booked admissions called to give me a surgery date (11th Sept) and pre-op assessment date. Now I have to push it all to the back of my mind and try to live for the day. Not easy but my labrador puppy is a great distraction. Sending love to all. x

Hi Herothedog , really sorry to hear of your reoccuance but you have a great positive attitude. You have seen in a few threads it can be beaten, keep going with the positivity. All the best.

Thanks Lugsy. You are right the stories on this site have given me hope that I can keep rolling along. Beautiful sunshine this morning and off for a walk in the woods with my dogs. xxx

Oh Hero so sorry to read this However fingers crossed it's a hiccup and bcg can resume Its a hard road with lots of setbacks but I hope l that you can continue to plod the bcg road

It's hard not to stress I use to write it will pass over and over on my hidden notebook

And it did 

Mr Wilbert is due  to restart bcg in the next 2or 3 weeks 

Love and hugs

Wilbert xx