Advice please- bladder

Hi Paul. Welcome to our group, we are a friendly lot and the folk on here are always happy to answer any questions you may have. I'm sorry to hear that you have a 2 week referral but please don't panic. You will probably have a cystoscopy which is a very quick, painless procedure (I've had a few now) and CT or MRI scans. Even if your medical team do find that you have bladder cancer it is very treatable. Stay away from Google searches and stick to reputable sites if doing any research. It is very easy to let your mind go to the very worst diagnosis but let your team do all their testing and wait for a proper diagnosis. If you stay in touch on the forum we can help to steady you through your journey. I am personally so glad that I found this forum, the lovely folk on here have helped me enormously this year. ️ 

Sending you a big virtual hug

Love Ade xx

Paul1976 . Hi Paul, and welcome to this friendly and supportive group, although sorry to hear of your concerns. The symptoms you describe could be associated with bladder cancer but could be caused by other things. If it is BC, then the various aches and pains would not mean it could be advanced. It is difficult not to overthink these things, we have all been there. Please be aware that bladder cancer can be treated successfully with good outcomes. Try and keep away from Google as there is a lot of out of date stuff and misinformation out there. Once you have had your tests you will have a better idea of what is going on, and if it does turn out to br BC, then we are here to help and guide you through. Best wishes.

Thanks Ade. I appreciate that. My heart is hoping it's a stone but I'm scared!

Thanks so much!

Hi Paul,

It's worrying when you have bleeding and/or pain. The 2 week pathway is a good thing because it means they start to investigate quickly so you won't usually have to wait and worry for very long. The 2-week thing does not mean it is cancer by the way - I have been investigated for several things over the years, using 2 week pathways, that turned out not to be cancer. 

When I had blood in my urine I insisted that the GP refer me quickly and I did have cancer. I'm pleased they found it, because since then they have successfully treated me for it and I'm onto post treatment reviews and back to normal life. 

'flank pain' and 'advanced cancer' aren't clear definitions, although they sound ominous. I'm guessing that you found that by googling. The only websites I trust for medical things are the NHS one and The Macmillan one. The latter has a very good booklet on Bladder cancer that you can download. It takes you through the possibilities and has very clear descriptions and pictures. It helped me ask the medics the right questions, which is always useful.

Good luck and keep in touch with this group - as others have said people here are friendly and often know a lot.

Latestart

(female 72)

Hi Paul1976,Welcome to this friendly group.I hope you will find it helpful.Best wishes Jane x

Bear in mind that the 2 week referral is possible cancer, rather than suspect. It's only natural to worry about the possibilities. My GP was insistent that my symptoms might not be cancer, but speedy referral was a precaution. At least it means you should get answers and a treatment plan sooner rather than later. Best wishes.

Hi Paul, welcome to our friendly, supportive group and well done for reaching out and asking for advice. You have had good responses so I won’t repeat it other than to say try not to overthink your symptoms because it adds to the stress. I hope you get the advice you  need to manage the pain and support to  manage the anxiety as you wait for the results .. take care and let us know how you get on 

Frank 

Hi Paul, There are some wonderful people on here that can help you. Please don’t get ahead of yourself, overthink things or use Dr Google. Rely on actual medical science and diagnostics from your no doubt very good medical team. You will be in good hands. 

in the meantime this is the place to hang out and talk though things, atb, Leo