Hello
My problems started in January with testular aching. After visiting the GP, I got an appointment for an ultrasound. This showed fluid in my left testes & also some varicose veins there.
In April. I noticed blood in my pee & contacted my gp immediately. They straight away treated for infection, but then I started peeing small bits of grit, followed by lots of blood. I had pain on my left side from the kidney & tubes.
I kept pressing my gp as I was concerned about my lower pelvic area which felt tight. I was put the the urgent list for urology, which is a 3 month wait in Scotland.
My gp tried to hurry my referral by organising an x-ray & another ultrasound, together with several blood tests. I eventually got put on a priority list & was seen yesterday where I had a cystoscopy.
I was able to watch in the screen & the specialist told me it was a tumour. Looking in the screen the appearance was white & quite large. I remain quite scared at this ad it is not a small area & looks definitely wrong.
I am booked for a turbt on 9th August & I am frightened about what they will find. The area looked big & it's been in me for many months.
I have asked to be referred to Macmillan nurses & I am trying to stay strong for my wife who has mild fibromyalgia. We receive universal credit & my gp has given me a 4 week sick note. I am self employed & have contacted citizens advice for help.
My elderly mother is bed ridden & has dementia. I live many miles from her & will not be able to visit. My sister visits her daily. I do not know if I should tell my sister.
I am sorry for rambling.
Hello Coojee and welcome to the group, although sorry you find yourself here. Your story is not unfamiliar. Many people are picked up late. The good thing is now they have found the problem, they can treat it. A TURBT is a routine operation and you may be out the same day, but prepare for an overnight. The offending cells will be shaved away and sent off for analysis. it takes a couple of weeks for the biopsy results to come back. Results determine if it is cancer and what treatment is needed. Many of us have been through this. I always felt it better to keep my family updated in what I was going through.
You may find it helpful to call the free Mac helpline on 0808 808 000 (8-8). You will find them very friendly and will let you know what help you may be entitled to.
Lots of experience here, so feel free to ask any questions, or just have a talk. Best wishes.
The chemo drug usually used post TURBT is Mitomycin. Designed to mop up any rogue cell floating around. Bit of a grey area regarding the immune system, as it is expelled from the bladder and doesn't enter rest of body, but obviously follow medical advice. Best wishes.
