Bladder cancer

Hello and first let me welcome you to the group. We know what a worrying time this is for you as we have all been there. Firstly, let me reassure you that bladder cancer can be treated successfully. The procedure to remove the tumours is called a TURBT (trans urethral resection of bladder cancer). It sounds worse than it is . Usually done in day surgery or maybe an overnight stay. The tumours will be shaved away and a biopsy taken. The results of the biopsy take about 2 weeks and this will determine any further treatment. The waiting is something wee never get used to. Good to know you have your wife to support you, but sometimes we have worrying thoughts and this is the place to let them out. We understand. Feel free to ask any questions. Many of us have been through this. Stay away from Google as there is a lot of misleading and out of date information out there.Best wishes.

Welcome to the group where you will have a lot of support. Waiting for results is always the worrying time. The good news is that bladder cancer is treatable for many folks. Mine is inoperable and has spread to other organs. However, chemotherapy has reduced all tumours. Things are still stable on a trial drug in tablet form. 

TURBT is not a painful process. You will probably need a catheter. Mine was overnight so just the one night stay in hospital. Once you can pass urine with the catheter removed it is time for discharge. 

There can be side effects with chemotherapy but they vary with individuals. I had fatigue but only a small price to pay for treatment. Still able to take daily walks. 

My wife and I were obviously upset on the day of diagnosis but decided to be positive and remain so after a year. Family support is invaluable. You should be assigned a dedicated nurse. Phone her with any questions. You can also ask questions and express concerns on this site. Lots of us have been in the same position and are most willing to help.

In my experience NHS staff on the chemotherapy suite are really caring and do a fantastic job. The trials team is just the same. I now see the oncologist once a month after a blood test. Will have a CT scan with contrast every 3 months. Contrast means putting a dye in through a canula. Warm feeling but not painful.

Hope all goes well for you. Keep us posted.

Hello

I am a newbie here too, welcome to this all-encompassing loving forum.  It has helped me so much.  I had my TURBT on Monday.  I am the biggest scared person about hospitals but I am in awe of hospitals these days. 

You will have great support all the way through

I am waiting for my results too but feel so confident in what they can do these days.  You are not alone

Love Inanna xx

Hi Bichonfrose 1 

You've come to right place for comfort, although none of us want to be here.  We understand exactly what you're going through as we've all been through similar.  I've had recurrent bladder cancer since 2012, as many people on here have & much worse.  If it wasn't for this community I don't know what I'd have done, as we all feel beside ourselves in the early days. We're all here for you & your wife x

In a way, this is the worst time, knowing you have tumours but not how bad, what treatment options etc. At least it has been detected and is being addressed. Once you know exactly what you're dealing with, you can plan ahead. With 2 different sorts, it sounds likely you'll need some sort of treatment - between us we've covered most options, so there's usually someone around to share experiences.

The initial TURBT varies - some go home same day, others stay overnight. Expect frequent & painful urination at first, as well as fatigue from the anaesthetic - allow around couple of weeks to recover. Be sure to drink plenty to flush the bladder. Hope all goes well.

Hi Bichonfrise1,

Just wanted to echo what everyone else has said. Bladder cancer is very treatable and everyone is here to support you. Waiting is the worst bit, we’ve all been there but  try and stay positive.

Best wishes

Luce x

Hi Bichonfrise1,Welcome to the board.I'm sure you will find plenty of advice and support here.Love and best wishes.Jane XX

Hi there Bichonfrise1, you are certainly not alone. Here we all are, in different but similar situations to you. Of course you are worried but there is life beyond bladder cancer, and luckily many treatment options. Sending support. Love the way our dogs sneak into our names. x

Hi Rily,

Thanks for your reply, as you say it is the not knowing that can really get to you.

I have had the surgery under general anaesthetic, all went well apart from it maybe growing in the tube from my kidney, so they are going to put the camera into the tube, I'm a bit concerned about that.

My main fear, and it is fear, that having the chemo and catheter was truly hell, I felt like I had to pass water, but of course I couldn't, I feel it maybe I have a sensitive bladder, so I'm trying to find anything that will make the pain less the next time I have to have it done, all suggestions welcome. 

Apart from the catheter, my recovery has been remarkably good, again, apart from my wily, I'm nearly pain free, all I feel is just a bit fragile. 

Thank you Tony