Hello. I’m new here, although I have been reading the posts on the forum from time to time, and following the conversations. First, I would like to thank everyone who has been contrubted to the chat. I have found it very informative and helpful. I haven’t contributed yet, until today, as I’m still feeling very confused and frightened after a TURBT last week. This was under general anesthetic. The surgeon came in just before the operations and asked me “what are you doing here”? I said I was here because I thought I had bladder cancer, (although, I had not actually been told this for certain. Cancer was only suspected and it had not been confirmed). I still thought, maybe it’s all a big mistake. I had undergone a CT Scan two weeks previously – but, again, I knew nothing of the results. The consultant then told me. “Well, you definitely have cancer”! Ithink it was still a rather brutal way to hear the confirmation. He explained what was going to happen during the TURBT operation and then – as he was about to leave the room with his hand on the door handle and one foot into the corridor, asked me if I had any questions. I had absolutely no time to process his comments and he then left the room with me feeling very scared, confused and alone. Oh! And by the way – he said he was handing my TurbT operation over to his Registrar “as I can’t do everything”. I know things are difficult for all the NHS departments now – and I understand that there are processes and procedures that need to be done – but, besides everything else going on with my “bladder cancer”, and everyone on the forum knows what this is like - already, I feel very lost and at the same time I have no confidence in the consultant who is overseeing my care. I await the results of the biopsy taken during the TurBT, but I am fearful that after 3 courses of different antibiotics previously prescribed by my GP over the last six months – to clear up a suspected UTI – the cancer has had time to grow. I now have to wait a further 2/3 weeks for the results of the biopsy.
Hi PoppyFlower and welcome to the group. I am sure you will get lots of support here as you go forward. It is not uncommon for ladies in particular to be fobbed off for weeks with antibiotics. We come across it often. The positive now is you have had your TURBT. Again, we know some consultants do not have great bedside manners. TURBT procedures are like a production line where one patient is wheeled in one after the other and so doctors can be dispassionate, although that shouldn't be an excuse for bad manners. The doctor may not have had your CT results as it takes a couple of weeks to process things. When you have your follow up consultation, you should get more detailed information. Try and have someone with you as you can be overloaded with info. Also ask to be copied in the meeting notes. It is easier to digest things when in black and white. Lots of experience here so feel free to ask anything. Best wishes.
