September 2018 (the day after her remaining parent's funeral) my lovely wife attended for a cystoscopy and was immediately informed that she had bladder cancer. This followed a single passing of blood, albeit like passing red wine, a couple of weeks earlier. This devastating news was made more troubling since her other parent had died from bladder cancer at a similar age to my wife, as had that parent's brother (we are still told that there is no genetic or hereditary link - I just think one has not yet been found). She has never smoked or had exposure to any of the known agents linked to bladder cancer.
Routine TURBT followed and after a three week wait a Pta Grade 3 diagnosis was given. As is usual, we were offered a Radical Cystectomy with BCG treatment as an alternative but, warned that there was a significant chance of recurrence with a grade 3 tumour.
We, she really, decided to try BCG on the basis that any recurrence would be caught early and the opportunity for a Radical Cystectomy would still be there if that happened, nothing to lose and everything to gain.
Today she received her 24th BCG treatment, 30 months from the diagnosis, and will receive the last 3 of the schedule around Christmas time.
Not a single recurrence to date, no suspicious areas at any of the regular cystoscopies - now taking place every 6 months and I no longer stand heaving and crying my heart out in the shower, like I did at the beginning.
I would like to thank the wonderful people who post here and can only assume that there must be many more, like me, who simply view the posts; your contributions have been enlightening, supportive and heartbreaking in equal measure.
For my part, I simply wanted to thank you all, I will continue to log in daily but doubt I will ever be able to contribute beyond what already appears and, to encourage those of you stepping out into this world that the emotional roller coaster can sometimes be more traumatic than the physical experience. We have been very lucky I know but, that luck is in some good measure down to responsible, hard working, knowledgeable healthcare professionals, delivering an excellent service. I wish you, them and everyone here a fair wind and following seas for your journeys.
Hello Buggrit and a warm welcome to the group, although it sounds as if you have been here some time. Really nice, heart warming and inspiring post. It gives those in early days hope. We know how devastating a diagnosis can be, and this sort of reassurance really helps. Your contributions will always be welcome here. Wishing you and your wife all the best going forward.
That is such encouraging news to hear x so happy for you both .. I am awaiting my rigid cystoscopy anytime now after finishing my first round of bcg treatment.. it is wonderful to read such encouraging words thank you 
