Dad diagnosed

Hi Marianne92,Welcome to the group.I’m sorrry you find yourself here and that your dad is in pain.The next step for your dad would be another cystoscopy under general anaesthetic in a procedure called a TURBT (Trans urethral resection of  bladder tumour) 
The urologist will remove any suspicious areas and send them off to the laboratory for analysis.Once all biopsy and scan results are back a team made up of medical specialists a MDT ( mullti disciplinary team) will meet to discuss the results and come up with a treatment plan for your dad.Quite often you have to have another TURBT a few weeks after the first but not always.Your dad will be asked to see the specialist once the results are in.Then he should find out what type of bladder cancer he has and what can be done to treat it.It’s not easy at the start of the diagnosis and we have all been through the tests and waiting for results which is hard for loved ones too.Hopefully now you have joined us you won’t feel as scared.We are all here to help and support you and your dad.Ask any questions here or just chat there is always someone around.You may have to wait to get the CT results along with the lab results but hospitals vary.I hope this helps.Jane 

You are absolutely right to say, you are at the beginning of this journey. Having BC is usually a long term business - but that's good in a way, it means it's being treated and kept under review. Winkers has given a good summary of what usually happens next. Treatment options vary according to the stage and grade of the cancer. 

Although your dad is finding urination painful, it's very important to drink plenty (water based) to help dilute the urine. Taking painkillers like paracetemol is usually considered OK, if that helps. Otherwise a hot water bottle/wheat bag is sometimes comforting. Hope he gets on to the next stage soon, hopefully he will feel better once that is done. Feel free to come here anytime to ask questions (but bear in mind we are not medics) or just have a chat. Best wishes.

Dear Marianne92,

You remind me of my daughter, who had to cope with me having bladder cancer. I and her father relied heavily on her at the time of diagnosis and start of treatment and even more during chemo and at the time I had my bladder removed. 

We are so grateful for everything she did to help, and we formed an even tighter bond with her and her husband throughout it all which has united us all even more as time goes on. 

But it taught me that the strain on her was enormous so I know it is important that you take care of yourself along this journey your dad is on. We're all here to listen and support - you have had some very good inputs already - so don't panic. The key to cancer is to take it as it comes and to try not to 'what-if'. And please pace yourself and take time for yourself. You will be even more helpful to your dad if you do.

The TURBT is a simple operation and will give you all answers about what comes next. The only thing is, that like everything else along the way, you have to wait to get them. But putting one foot in front of the other will get you all through it, like us, and we're now over 3 years after treatment ended and living a normal life.

All the best,

Latestart

I am 75.. I don't know what age your dad is, but rest assured that the op they mention is almost certainly a TURBT as Winkers60 says.. and it is a relatively quick and simple process of going into the bladder to take out what is there for biopsy. I have had 2 now and find it very straightforward now I know what to expect. Best of luck to your dad. I am so sorry he is in pain.. do ask the urology team about that. And about the op. Don't hold back.. I found that they are happy to help but busy, and one has to be quite active in asking and politely pushing at times. They don't mind!

Hi Marianne92, the start of cancer investigations is always terrifying, mostly because it takes a few weeks to clarify exactly what is going on. Medics are very competent at spotting cancer from flexi cystoscopies (camera in the bladder) and CT scans but to really know about the stage and grade of the disease means taking a biopsy. As others have described  this is done at a TURBT, which happens under a general anaesthetic. TURBTs are largely painless and nothing to worry about. Afterwards when you come round (and get your delicious NHS cup of tea  ) the surgeon often talks to the patient about what they have seen, but the biopsy results take at least 2 weeks. When results are back your dad will be invited to meet a urology consultant to be told exactly what has been found so it's good to have a second pair of ears in the room, to help retain what is explained. Generally in the NHS at this meeting you get introduced to your Cancer Nurse Specialist; these are very knowledgeable nurses and can usually be contacted by phone during treatment to help explain symptoms and treatment. I'm 78 now and was diagnosed 9 years ago. My treatment continued over the first 4 years and my CNS has been a marvellous support. In fact I still see her each year when I go for my annual cystoscopy. When I had my initial meeting with the consultant he said welcome to the Urology Department where you will be coming for the next 10 years. I can remember thinking that at least he thought I might still be alive in 10 years. Not going too badly so far! Sending you love, keep in touch with us. Hx

What a cheering and hopeful tale.. good to hear at age 75 myself and one year into treatment!