anxious after first flexible cystoscopy

Hi alphabetagaga and welcome to the group, although sorry you had to join us. The early days of uncertainty and not knowing can be the worst. Things get better once you get on the treatment path. A  flexible cystoscopy is just a visual inspection. Biopsies are taken at the TURBT stage (trans urethral resection of bladder tumour). A fairly straightforward procedure, usually done in day surgery but be prepared for an overnight. The chemo wash is with a drug called Mitomycin. This is to mop up any rogue cells floating around. Stings a bit when peeing for a few days afterwards. In the meantime, it is important to drink plenty of water to keep the bladder flushed out. Feel free to ask any questions. Lots of friendly advice here. Best wishes.

thanks for replying rily that's useful info 

so regarding the turbt operation does anyone know if these are then prioritised according to what the consultant saw/diagnosed on screen during the flexible cystoscopy? or is it as simple as 'waiting in line' until your turn?

Hi alphabetagaga . Unfortunately it is usually a waiting game unless they get you in to cover a cancellation. You should be called for a pre op assessment and then the op should follow shortly after. The pre op is just a general health check to make sure you are suitable for the anaesthetic. Best wishes.

Hi alphabetagaga,Welcome to this friendly group.It’s usual to have to come back for a TURBT and biopsies.They need deeper biopsies to check for cancer and these would be too painful to have during a flexible cystoscopy.I hope you find some help and support here.Fingers crossed you don’t have to wait too long for the TURBT.Best wishes Jane 

Hi alphabetagaga, 

Welcome to this wonderful group. It helped me massively and reading about other people's experiences also helped.

So here is a little bit about my experience.

52 old male, blood in urine, found tumor in bladder end November 2022,  it was about 3cms. Had ultrasound and MRI, then my first TURBT in December. Needed another TURBT in February 2023, as they needed to go back in.

Both times I stayed overnight in the hospital, but the operation and recovery wasn't too bad, a bit sore for a couple of weeks.

They confirmed that the cancer wasn't muscle invasive and also confirmed the tumour was removed.

They put me on a course of BCG (once a week for 6 weeks). End of July I had another TURBT and the biopsy was good news. The cancer hadn't come back and I would continue with the BCG maintenance.

The early days and thinking the worst are the hardest part for me, thankfully I found this group and the lovely people that go out of their way to help.

Obviously everyone's experiences and outcomes will be different, but I just wanted to point out that there are good outcomes.

Hope all goes well with you.

Take care

Bfg