Bad night! Large tumour in bladder. Symptoms following Cystoscopy?

Hi Mack,I’m sorry to hear you had a bad night.It would be worth getting your urine tested in case you have picked up an infection following cystoscopy.I hope you feel better soon.Best wishes Jane 

Thank-you

Hi Mack,

My sister has just completed cycle 4 of her chemotherapy treatment. There are 2 cycles to go and a full bladder removal operation to follow. She experienced acute pain in her back particularly the right side. She had to attend hospital for a biopsy in January and that is when they treated her for a severe kidney infection. The tumour had caused urine back to the kidney. She underwent a simple procedure to insert a tube to divert/drain it into a bag. It is changed twice weekly and she is in no pain now. It will be removed after her operation. I would follow that up as it really helped her cope. Wishing you well on this journey.

Thank-you for your posting. And thank-you to everyone else who have kindly posted messages in relation to my postings. I am not negotiating this Forum very well. I keep logging im but don’t always get the very latest messages.

 However, here is where I am. Things have moved quickly for me since my original GP visit. I’ve had my Cystoscopy. I’ve had my Ultrasound Scan. I have a pre-op appointment for a week on Friday and a CT Scan for a week on Monday. I have visited the Maggie Centre in Edinburgh and should I wish to join in with the Bladder Cancer Group it takes place the last Wednesday of the month. I have been booked into the Skin Care and Makeup Group which takes places two weekly. That group I will only attend if I am offered treatment or accept treatment if offered. 
 
 Have a good day all. x

I am so pleased to know your sister has been relieved of the back pain. May I ask, how has your sister coped with the chemotherapy. She has been through a lot. 

Hi Mack, sounds like the next step will be a TURBT (which involves entry through urethra and a close look inside the bladder) while patient is anaesthetised, and the removal of anything suspicious for biopsy. My experience is in UK using the NHS. Sometimes you stay in hospital overnight afterwards, but sometimes you can go home after you've woken up and had your delicious NHS cuppa! The surgeon often able to give some indication of what has been found. But the definitive answers come from the biopsy. There is a two week (ish) wait for the biopsy results. If there is a cancerous tumour you should be invited to meet a consultant and be introduced to your Cancer Nurse Specialist who often prove to be your best support in the journey. The waiting around for appointments and results can be stressful but we're all here and have experienced the same wobbles and anxiety. Keep us posted on your progress. Love Hx

Your reply has been very helpful. Thank-you so much. x

Remarkably, she has coped well. She receives two different types of chemo drugs on the first cycle week , one type of chemo drug on week 2 then a rest week. Luckily, her blood counts have allowed her to receive chemo without any delays She has had a blood transfusion in between to keep her levels up. She had a CAT scan recently and we are very hopeful that there is a significant reduction. The results will be available next week. That should allow her to go forward for the operation. We are in South Lanarkshire. Her hair has thinned but she has not lost too much. Willing you on. 

You appear to be a wonderful support to your sister and are taking such loving interest. How wonderful that you do. I know that many who are so very close to a cancer sufferer are so devastated that they are in need of great support themselves. I hope you as a supporter (that word doesn’t cover your role even closely) are also getting support. This Forum is amazing though. Even in the very short time I have been on it I have found it so helpful. 
 Is it the Beatson your sister attends?  For myself it is the Edinburgh Western General. I am fortunate I live on the west side of Edinburgh and attending the Western causes no travel problems. I feel for patients who have to travel a distance for their treatment. Also for their family/visitors. The new Edinburgh Royal Infirmary is on the very far side of Edinburgh from where I live (old one was central and again not far for me to travel to) and getting there is quite a journey either by car and public transport. 
 I am 81 years old, 82 in June but I have always been active. I have walked Scotland mainland and  the Islands. My downfall has been that I have smoked (even on the top of Munro’s you find cigarette bits) for 60 years. The only good thing that came out of me smoking is that it made my son hate cigarettes so he has never smoked. I am so pleased about that. It’s a disgusting habit. 
 I have also been married for 56 years and have had a very happy marriage. So, I have had a good life. I am accepting of my circumstances. How could I not be when there are children’s cancer wards. That’s where life is so cruel.

Hi Mack, I also smoked into my 60's and so did my ex-husband and we both got bladder cancer. We thought it was our lungs would be damaged, but no! Glad our kids have grown up with more sense. xx