Bladder cancer

Hello Jackd I had my initial op in June 2020 I then had 2 more follow up rigid cystoscopy's in the following August and December. The last two were really to ensure they managed to get everything out. I must admit I felt it wasn't explained fully what the process was going to be, partly my fault because I didn't ask enough questions. Having said that you can only do one thing at a time and not fill your head with something that may or may not happen further down the line  Each patient is different so your pattern of dealing with the cancer can differ from the next person.

Please do not worry about further procedures, just concentrate on the first op and just progress stage by stage. It does help to discuss anything on this forum as there are plenty of people here who are exactly in the same situation.

Hi , I’m going today for my prep assessment and like you I was diagnosed with bladder cancer , I’m not sure what to ask myself to be honest .I’m assuming they tell you everything they can until they remove the tumour and when they find out staging etc I presume they will be in touch and that’s probably the time to ask questions. Wishing you well with everything 

Thank you for replying good luck today x

Thank you for your reply, yes it's all happening so fast I hope they tell me more today at the pre op x

Thank you for your reply good luck x

Hi Nelbell & Jackd,The pre assessment is to check that you are fit for the anaesthetic.The nurses will take your blood pressure,weigh & measure you and you will be asked questions about your general health.Sometimes you might get sent for an ECG.You will have a chat with an anaesthetist.The next stage is the TURBT op itself which usually involves an overnight stay in hospital.The tumour(s) are removed and sent to the lab for analysis/histology reports.Usually you will have a catheter in and once you have passed urine which will be measured 3 times you will be allowed home.It all seems scary but we are all here to offer help and advice.Once the histology results are back you will be told your results and the grade and stage of the cancer.It’s a long time since I had a pre op so I may have missed something out.I think you have blood tests too and a urine test.Good luck with your assessments.Love Jane x

Hi All. They do not tell you much after a TURBT procedure. Some surgeons are more informative than others, but it is really only when the biopsy results are in that they have the information they need to move forward. In many cases a CT or MRI scan is also done to give them a better picture. Good luck to those going for an op. Best wishes.

Hi Jackd, as winkers60 explains, the pre op is all about checking you are fit for the anaesthetic, it would be the same if you were going in for any other surgery. So please don't be disappointed if you are not told more about your cancer situation, they simply wouldn't know.

Also it is possible the op may be day case depending on things like when you are on the theatre list. [Generally everyone has to turn up at 7am but last time my husband was third on the list, so his op was quite late morning, he was back on the ward early afternoon and home at teatime]. But you should always pack overnight things as getting out same day is not certain. I recommend having some filling snacks in your bag, as when you come round they usually offer tea/coffee and a bit of toast. But if you have starved from midnight you might want more than that!

Some people will want Tena pants or similar in case of leaks which will likely be a bit bloodstained to begin with. This is totally normal and nothing to worry about.

Best wishes, 

Denby

Just to add that you will need to take things easy for a couple of weeks or so after TURBT. Although there is nothing to see externally, the body has still suffered an internal wound & needs time to heal. You may also feel the effects of the general anaesthetic for several days. The bladder will be irritated & you can expect painful & frequent urination for a while. drink plenty to flush things through. The waiting is hard, but once the medics have all the information they need, a treatment plan will be put in place. Hope all goes well for you.

Thank you for your advise x