In September 2017, during the pre-op examination/tests in preparation for a TURBT a heart murmur was discovered. This resulted in my procedure being cancelled on the day of the op - all undressed and ready - the echocardiogram results from the test the day before arrived and out of caution the anaesthetist called off the TURBT until he had had time to analyse the results and consult colleagues. This resulted in a Plan B: Radiotherapy. The heart condition precluded having the customary chemo follow-up treatment. Radiotherapy duly happened that year and kept symptoms at bay for a few months. In 2018 the symptoms recurred (blood loss). I spent a cumulative period of over 5 weeks in hospital in 2018. I suspect that I'm being too wordy. May it suffice to say that I ended up having many transfusions and two TURBT procedures that year. My treatment has been classed as palliative since 2018. The care I received in the NHS was superb. Despite in 2018 almost 'not making it' I'm still here, not on medication but have a urethral catheter to prevent my bladder from flexing and bleeding. I joined this forum to help me cope with the mental aspects of living with cancer. Occasionally, often after a catheter change but sometimes 'out of the blue,' I have blood in my urine. Whenever this happens my mood dips, almost to the point of being in tears - not very manly! How do others cope with the mental stress of living with cancer, in my case under palliative care but still living a relatively normal life?
Hello RayMK and welcome to the group. Sorry to hear what you have been through but you will be in good company here with others who understand. Although I have been clear for some years I have had several false alarms and all the treatment that goes with it and I know the anxiety caused whenever something new occurs. It is understandable that you feel down now and again. Always someone here to listen. if you just feel like a chat we have a thread in the group called "How are we all doing". We started this as a chat thread at the beginning of lockdown to keep in touch and keep clear of medical stuff. Over the years we have talked about everything and anything and it's a great place to let out your feelings or even have a laugh. Best wishes.
