Maggies…

Hello Angela, finished my project now. Coffee and a sit down. Benny? It’s great to learn a new skill at any age. What’s next? Nuclear Physics, Roof Thatching… Grandson is cooking for his brother, sister and dad- steak and fries, pork chop for dad then they are off for football training at 5.30 pm. We will eat later, not steak though spicy chicken and wedges. Holiday planning with Mrs Garviv this afternoon. Garviv x

I quite fancy carpentry Garviv, but i think 1st if i have to be stuck in doors i may clear out the loft. We plan to downsize in the next year or so , so it will be useful . Enjoy your planning, i would love to see the valley of the kings , but i couldn't cope with the heat sadly. enjoy your chicken x

I Am  going to our local hospice. Blythe house, it’s the attitude of the consultant that got me this week,they don’t listen to what you say and give it to you straight no empathy etc.For now the BCG is on hold till I see an opthologist as I am having eye problems from the treatment. If I can’t resume the BCG he gave me a 50/50 chance that the cancer could return in 5 years said there was no other treatment apart from bladder removal! But reading on here it can be treated. Most of you having treatment are male so wondered if there are any females on here going through it. Prior to the cancer being found,by chance, Iwas suffering a great deal of pain and going to the loo every 10 mins to less than an hour since the biopsy in Oct and starting the BCG and had antibiotics I am out of pain and hallelujah last night I only got up three times instead of 8 to 10 during the day 1to 2 hours .  But the consultant didn’t listen.and I came away full of doom and gloom. All of which I hope to discuss later . As for discussing side effects it was brushed aside.

Heartily recommend Sri Lanka Garviv. Fantastic National Parks with elephants and leopards (!) half the price of African safaris. Great beaches, marvellous food, malaria free :) I went twice during my treatment. We went back a second time so we could show my granddaughter animals in the wild. . 

Morning H, thanks for the suggestion. Not really interested in wild animals but the beaches and food sound great. I’m sure we watched a Rick Stein curry tour of Sri Lanka which looked great. Garviv

I agree H Sri Lanka , went in the 90’s had a wonderful time. very windy at the beaches i seem to remember and the bus ride to Kandy on the not so stable roads was an adventure. absolutely lovely, did 2 weeks on Sri Lanka and 1 week in maldives. It would be too hot for me now. glad i went when i was younger x

I sad to hear that you feel your consultant isn't sympathetic. Top surgeons don't always have a good bedside manner, but can be very caring all the same. I'd rather have the expertise and frank information. Do you have a designated nurse to contact?

Some patients are able to have mitomycin as an alternative to BCG,  but that may not be any more successful. You sound as if you wouldn't contemplate bladder removal? It is a major op, but plenty of us have been through it - some with great relief from the symptoms experienced beforehand. Best wishes.

It would be a last resort as I know it is a big op and being78 next month not sure how I would go on. 3 years back I had a major op to remove a football sized ovarian cyst weighed 2.8kg . I do have a nurse but have not found them a lot of help. MacMillan have been really good and have helped with counselling explaining a lot to me on the mental side. If my bladder went back to being very painful again and going to the loo every half hour the option of removing my bladder would be on the cards but only as a last resort.. the cancer was only in the lining told it was small and the ct scan showed no more cancer cells but consultant said there may be some in waiting.

Sounds like watch and wait would be an option then, if BCG not tolerated. Glad to hear you are getting support. Best wishes.