Hello everyone. I've been browsing the threads on here and it is really helpful to read about other people's experiences. I was initially told I had kidney stones about 18 months ago but it now turns out I have three small tumours in my bladder and the doctors say it's most likely cancer. It wasn't a massive shock as I new something wasn't right, though a bit frustrating that it wasn't diagnosed initially. I am due to have my TURBT in a few weeks' so, having read through posts here, I will try to take it one day at a time and see what comes next. I hadn't been aware of the BCG treatment, so that is useful to know about. I'm due to get married in September and am hoping we can go ahead as planned as we had to cancel twice before because of COVID. One of the best posts I read on here was about opening up to people and not bottling it up, which I have definitely been guilty of. Almost like being in denial really. If you're not saying it out loud, is it really happening. But I have spoken to my partner this week after a particularly difficult day. Definitely spending as much time as I can with my 2 year old as he has a great ability to help me forget all about it. I did have one question, which might sound stupid / a bit selfish, but I can't find anything on whether it is ok to drink alcohol after a diagnosis? Common sense says best to avoid but one of my friends is a pharmacist and he says it is fine. I think a glass of wine on Friday would be something to look forward to but I don't want to do anything that might make things worse. Anyway, thank you all for sharing your stories, it really does help to read through them.
Hi FrankE84 and a warm welcome from me too. I am sure you will get lots of support here as you go forward. It is difficult to talk to people in the early days, but things get easier once you have broken the ice with people. I always used a bit of humour where appropriate which makes people more comfortable. As regards alcohol, that is one thing I asked first. My urologist said it is fine in moderation, but if drinking beer, try and stick to real ale and avoid the gassy mass produced stuff as many contain chemicals. Early days yet, so take things one step at a time. Lots of us have got through this by one way or another, so feel free to ask anything or just come to chat if you feel like it. Best wishes.
