New Diagnoses

Hi and welcome to the community, although sorry to find you here, especially after your earlier experience with cancer. Firstly, be aware that bladder cancer can be treated successfully and many of us are here to tell the tale. I have been here for many years and have never come across bladder cancer as a secondary from breast cancer. A biopsy will confirm this. Several weeks waiting does not really make much difference in the great scheme of things. Very early days to be talking about chemo. Not everyone has chemo as there are other treatments. A TURBT procedure is usually done in day surgery, but prepare for an overnight stay. The tumour will be shaved away and there are usually few after effects except discomfort when peeing for a day or two. Biopsies will be taken and the results determine the next stage. Lots of us have been there, so feel free to ask any questions. Best wishes.

Hi Lizaki2, So far your GP and urology team sound totally on the ball. Amazing they have organised cystoscopy and scan within a month.  They have done all the right things really quickly despite covid. It is horrible to wait for a TURBT date, worrying about what will be found, we all feel same when it's our turn. However I have also had consultants telling me that delaying a few weeks is generally not a big problem. If it were I think they would rush you in. Luckily there are a wide range of treatments for bladder cancer so you will not necessarily need chemo. When you have the TURBT they will take a biopsy as well as removing tumour and then they can advise the grade and stage if it is cancer. I've never heard of BC as a secondary but I'm not a doc. I had my last TURBT in November and I waited about 5 weeks. xxx

Hello Lizaki2.

Welcome. I'm afraid I don't have BC as a secondary. As Herethedog writes, your GP and urology are quick off the mark; you are in the system, that's the important thing. 

The only things I can add are to keep up your exercise, if you can. I was told walking (not over the top!) is the best form of exercise. And make sure you drink enough water; Robinson's Lemon Barley Water is a good way to make water palatable and get rid of any debris. 2 litres a day is recommended after treatment but I aim for it every day; ease off in mid-afternoon a otherwise you will have too many trips to the loo in the night!

I hope you get your date for the TURBT soon and keep in touch with us.

All the best,

Gandulf.

Hi 

I just wanted to let you know that I never had chemo during my treatment.  When I had my TURBT, I felt tired for a few days but no pain.

I wish you all the best

Inanna x

Hi Lizaki2

I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2009 & had chemo, radio, Herceptin, & I was on Tamoxifen/Arimadex for 5 years.  There was lots of support for breast cancer but the treatment was an absolute mare, you know how it it.  In 2012 I was diagnosed with bladder cancer, & was terrified that it had come back to get me.  My Dr did put me in for tests to see if I had the cancer gene.  I didn't actually have the tests as after looking at my family history of different cancers ... the person I spoke to said that I didn't need tests, as there was no link between the 2 cancers.  Even aunts from both sides of my Mom & Dad's family had breast cancer, & still they said there was no link.  It's difficult, but we have to trust what they tell us.  He did ask if I was disappointed not to be having tests, as most people are, of course I wasn't, but I had prepped myself for having everything removed as I'd convinced myself that I had the cancer gene.  I waited about 5 months for my first procedure as the urgent referral slipped through the system.  They gave me Mitomycin C chemo as treatment,  but I had an allergic reaction of a very itchy bladder for an entire week after, so treatment was stopped.  Almost 9 years & much  recurrence I'm having Epirubicin, & have my last dose next Monday.  I'm really doing OK.  There's not much support for bladder cancer, but this community has been wonderful for me.  it's such a worrying time, we know, & there's always be someone here fort you.  Take care xxx

Sorry I edited that so many times that I can no longer edit.  Might I just add that I waited (long story short) 14 months for my last TURBT, usually I have one every 6 months.  Although I'm sure you wont wait that long x

That's rotten for you to have a second cancer. Sadly, having one cancer doesn't exempt you from having another, totally different one. Depending on the stage & grade, possible treatments for bladder cancer are very varied & may not require any sort of chemo at all. Mine had been there at least 3 months before I had TURBT, so try not to worry about a delay. COVID is certainly causing excessive delays in some cases, but there is not always the need for haste that we think & would wish to avoid.

TURBT is day surgery, but be prepared for an overnight stay. Depending on the surgeon's opinion, you might have what is often called a chemo wash - the bladder is filled with mytomicin which is drained out after an hour or so. They make sure you can wee OK before letting you go home. Expect frequent & painful urination/cramping after for a few days or more. Drink plenty to flush through. You will likely feel tired & wiped out for a week or two & need to take it easy until you feel better. There is usually a wait of 2 or more weeks for results & then you know better what lies ahead. Hope you get a date soon.

Hi Lizaki2 and welcome to the group. Others have already given you some really good advice about what to expect. This is the worst bit,  waiting for things to happen. It’s great that you had your cystoscopy so quickly and hopefully your TURBT will happen very soon. Let us know how you get on, we’re here if you want to ask any other questions or just let off steam.

Best wishes Luce