Scared

You will know in the coming days. Try not to worry too much at this stage. (If only I could learn to follow my own advice!). Please continue to take advantage of the experience and support on this forum.

Hi CCAT, in my experience cancer can only be confirmed after they've done a biopsy. This would be after your rigid cystoscopy. It maybe that the ultrasound has given the consultant some idea of what is in your bladder, so it's great if he's arranged to see you. If it is cancer then sooner is much better than later. Of course you feel scared, we have all been in the same position, but only way to cope is to take one step at a time. If you do have bladder cancer you can take comfort from the many many of us here who are still enjoying our lives thanks to the skills of our doctors and nurses. Sending love H x

Hi,Welcome to the group.It’s natural to feel scared as you don’t know for sure what it is.Once you have had the rigid cystoscopy and biopsies you will know more.The good thing is that you are being investigated and can get help for the symptoms.Stick with us as we are here to help and support you.Best wishes Jane 

I just don’t understand why CT if biopsy hasn’t confirmed anything yet. At the time the consultant who did the flexi didn’t seem overly concerned so now I’m wondering what has ultrasound shown to have CT before biopsy. Sorry my heads in a mess but you have all been so kind x

Dear CCAT, please consider this. This was so many years ago I can't even say how many. My OH was up in the night to pee to the point of going to GP. Seen at hospital, they booked him in for an overnight stay, and discharged him in agony next day and with pee through a catheter bright red with blood . They said they has removed 'seaweed like growths' and there had been more than they thought. never a mention of cancer, never any follow up. Busy with life/kids etc we stopped thinking about it very soon. Fast forward to kids all grown up, retiring, grandkid on the way so we move house long distance nearer family.

Up in the night reaches nuisance level again. New GP sends him to new hospital. He has a a flexi Cystoscopy and watches on screen with interest. Comes out and says his whole bladder looks 'like inside out cauliflower'. Yes this is bladder cancer. A  TURBT, wait for the MDT=Multi disciplinary Team meeting, where lab people and various doctors discuss the biopsy results and best treatments to offer. 6 BCG, an immediate recurrence, another TURBT and some Mitomycin's later, and five years on he just rocks up when instructed for another flexi and all is well.

The quantity of growths is not therefore as much of an issue as whether or not they have gone into the muscle - muscle invasive. In any case there are lots of treatments so please try to thank whatever you thank that it has been found and the NHS are doing all the right things.

Best bet is to keep busy in between appointments, and take a reliable person to them with you for a second, calm pair of ears.

Denby

Hi CCAT . If you mean you are booked in for a CT scan, do not worry. It is standard practice. Usually precautionary to rule out anything elsewhere in the body and also gives them a better picture of what they are dealing with. Ultrasounds are not very accurate and just gives them a rough idea. Best wishes.

It is all a bit confusing but they need to find out the reasons you are having so many uti’s.Bladder ultrasound is useful for showing if you are retaining urine in the bladder as this can lead to infections.The scan is routine.I had a chronic bladder condition for over 30 yrs and had scans,ultrasounds and biopsies.All these investigations will help the urologists to find out exactly what is going on in your bladder and to get some treatment.Jane x

Hello CCAT, I realise this is a scary and worrying time for you. However, many people on this forum have been in the same or similar position. Once you have your rigid cystoscopy and a treatment plan is discussed with you following your results you will feel better believe me. Don’t forget to keep asking questions. Your Urology department Nurse will become a great source of information and comfort. Good luck and use this  wonderful forum as a sounding board. Garviv

Thanks all, there are some inspirational stories on this forum. I wish I could say I was being brave and getting on with things but I’m a mess. I hope I get an appt for the rigid cystoscopy the last 3 weeks have felt an age and not having an appt is awful.

What you are feeling is usual and understandable.People often feel better emotionally once they know what they are facing.Do you have support at home ? We have all been in your position and know how scary it is.Waiting for tests and results is hard.Try and keep yourself occupied if you can as it helps to be distracted.Love Jane x