Hi, I'm a 55 year old male and I went to the hospital a couple of days ago and I've had tests done including the cystoscopy, ultrasound, CT scans etc... The doctor said during the cystoscopy that it doesn't look great but I shouldn't worry until it's removed and tested. I've not had any CT or blood results yet as it's still all early days. I didn't know my dad too well, but I did find out that he died of bladder cancer when he was in his 70's. I gave up smoking 12 years ago when I became a single parent, my youngest is 16 years of age now. I was peeing brown wee for several months and have noticed bits of blood for a couple of months so I'm regretting not going to the doctor's earlier. I googled it when I first was getting brown wee and it said that extreme exercise can cause this and as I'm a Postman who does a particular physical round with constant stairs I put it down to that. Normally google makes medical stuff seem worse but not on this occasion. I think I need to stop searching and looking at statistics now.
I'm still in shock so it helps to find people who are further down the line of this madness. Thanks
Hi AJN and welcome to this friendly group. You will get plenty of support and advice as you go forward. You will not be the first to dismiss the early signs but the positive is you are now in the system and being looked after. Bladder cancer is not generally considered to be a hereditary disease but we have seen it before. BC can be treated successfully and many here can tell the tale. The CT can is just to check there is nothing else going on elsewhere and give them a better picture of what they are dealing with. The next step as you may know is a TURBT procedure (transurethral resection of bladder tumour). Done in day surgery but may involve an overnight stay. This will confirm if it is cancer and they will then build a treatment plan. Early days for you yet and the not knowing can be stressful, but try and take it one step at a time. Lots of help here so feel free to ask anything. Best wishes.
Hi matey , sounds exactly like my symptoms ! Had an ultra sound first then Dr told me no need for a Cystoscopy as it was a tumour . Had a TURBT within six weeks . Since then I’ve had 1 other TURBT a
18 sessions of BCG . It’s not too bad you do get used to it . It’s a long journey but you will get through it . Stay positive head down and crack on .
Hi AJN . It's not uncommon for them not to get it all first time. Many people have follow up TURBTs to mop up. It's about this time you may notice you pass blood clots. This is normal as the scab breaks away. I only mention this because if you are not aware of it, it can be scary. Important to keep drinking plenty of water to keep things flushed out. I hope all goes well moving forward. Best wishes.
