New here and desperate

Hi Booboo54 and welcome to this friendly and supportive group. We know how you are feeling as most of us have been there, but be aware that bladder cancer can be treated successfully. We always tell people to try and stay away from Google as there is a lot of out of date misinformation out there. Stick to reputable sites such as Macmillan  . It doesn't help when you have a doctor with little empathy. A TURBT (trans urethral resection of bladder tumour) is a fairly straightforward procedure. Usually done in day surgery under general anaesthetic, but prepare for an overnight just in case. Any offending cells will be scraped away and samples sent off for analysis. It is the result of these biopsies which will determine if it is cancer or not. There will be a couple of weeks waiting for results. It will sting a bit when peeing for the following few days. If it turns out to be positive, then a treatment plan will be put in place. We all tend to overthink all the little aches and pains. Lots of experience here so feel free to ask anything. Best wishes.

Hi Booboo54,Welcome to this friendly supportive group.They can do a TURBT to check any area that needs more investigation.Chronic inflammation or infection can irritate the bladder and cause changes in its appearance.Under a TURBT the bladder will be inspected and any area that looks abnormal will be removed and sent off to be biopsied.As you have had lots of UTI’s it may well be the irritation has caused an abnormal area.I had Interstitial cystitis for 34 years and the repeated infections and irritation caused all kinds of odd looking areas in the bladder.I’m really sorry to hear about your friend.Bladder cancer can usually be successfully treated.Try to stay off Google It will only cause more anxiety and not all the information is up to date or accurate.Everyone on here will support you and answer questions.Best wishes Jane 

Hi, I think we're all familiar with the panic and fear at the possibility of a serious illness, especially a cancer. Take heart that whatever it turns out to be, it is being investigated and will be treated appropriately. Some bladder cancers only need monitoring.

To cope with the worry while you wait, try to distract yourself with some pleasurable activities - doing some sort of exercise is good, especially getting outdoors. Also try to drink plenty & eat healthily - a mediterranean diet is recommended. I listen to podcasts on sleepless nights. Keeping a notepad to hand can help, to jot down thoughts that are troubling you, or questions you want to ask. Best wishes for 15/8.

Is it possible it might not be cancer or dies TURBTs always mean a cancer diagnosis? 

I have a copy of a consent form for a TURBT in 2009 and I didn’t have cancer.

There was someone on here recently who had a TURBT and they didn’t have cancer.It Is a worrying time but you won’t know for sure until the area is biopsied.Waiting for results is never easy so it’s helpful to keep occupied.Good luck on the 15th.Best wishes Jane 

Why would they do a TURBT if they weren’t pretty sure it was cancer?  Wouldn’t they just take a biopsy in the cystoscopy? 

It is possible to have superficial biopsies taken under a local anaesthetic during cystoscopy but they are painful.In order to check for cancer they need much deeper biopsies and these are done under a general anaesthetic.Also under a GA they are able to inflate the bladder more and have a better look at it.

Hi Booboo54,Have you got people to support you while you are waiting for your TURBT ? Love Jane 

Hi,

Welcome to the group. Just to echo rily and winkers, try to stay away frpm Dr Google. Now you're in a bit of a panic and that's understandable and par for the course, but bladder cancer is treatable and at six years on, I'm proof.

Don't be afraid to ask silly questions, you're on a learning curve and don't be afraid to use the site's resources. I am somewhat perplexed at the surgeon's attitude towards you, as mine have been great, but I would suggest contacting PALS (patient advice and liason) at the Hospital.

Now, you won't know for certain until the TURBT is done, whether it's cancerous, but try to take things one step at a time and above all, don't be stranger.