Here for Dad

Hi ForDad92, 

My husband was diagnosed with three tumours in his bladder at age 58, he went on to have a TURBT to remove them and then had a course of BCG, the cancer did return and he went on to the maintenance programme of more BCG, but he has been clear since and now has yearly cytoscopies to check for reoccurrence, he is now 66. I hope this helps you and reassures you how treatable bladder cancer is, it is worrying but try and enjoy Christmas if you can, I wish you and your family well, especially your dad.

take care 

Formula

Hi Formula,

Thank you so much for your reply which is extremely reassuring to read. Amazing news regarding your husband being clear. This has helped me to try and stay positive until we know exactly what we’re dealing with.

Many thanks again, have a lovely Christmas. x

Hi ForDad92 and welcome to the group. Sorry to hear about your husband but great to know you are here to support him. Multiple bladder tumours are common and do not make much difference to a single one, so do not try and read anything sinister in that. As formular says, bladder cancer can be treated successfully. He will have a fairly straightforward op (TURBT) to remove them. Biopsies will be taken to determine the next stage. This is a long slow process with lots of waiting so try and enjoy Christmas. Lots of experience here to answer any questions. Maybe a bit quiet here over the next few days, but there will be lots of support going forward. Best wishes.

Hi ForDad92,

you will find there is a very supportive group on here, if you click on names you can read their journeys to date, this is where you can also write your own journey.

x

Hi ForDad92,Welcome to the group.You will find plenty of advice here and we are all happy to help and support you and your dad.Happy Christmas.Best wishes Jane 

My husband had his whole bladder look 'like inside out cauliflower' when he saw the first cystoscopy. Five years and moderate amounts of treatment later, he's clear and down to six-monthly checks and family are planning his 8oth birthday celebrations. Hope that helps. It all really depends on the grade and stage, not the number. Keeping too busy to dwell on it is probably the best thing to do.

Denby

Hi everyone, 

Just an update. 

We have unfortunately just had a massive blow

a couple of weeks ago my dad had his TURBT, yesterday, following the MDT meeting he went to see the urologist who told us that unfortunately he will need to see the oncologist (today) as all the tumours hadn’t been removed. We saw the (pretty blunt) oncologist today who explained that two of the three tumours had been removed but unfortunately one has spread into the bladder wall and into one of the urethral canals. It is a grade 3 aggressive locally advanced bladder tumour. His only option is to have chemotherapy and a bladder removal but the oncologist said even after all that there’s only a 50/50% chance of survival. This is just absolutely devastating. She then explained that he has to have an MRI/CT (can’t remember which) of his chest and lungs to ensure it hasn’t spread there - if it has spread there then she said there isn’t even any point in removing the bladder. 

we are doing everything we can to keep positive. He’s 55, has no other health concerns, doesn’t drink alcohol, exercises and stopped smoking when he first found out the news in December last year. I’m just telling him surely he’s in the 50% that will be ok. He hasn’t had any other symptoms - only the initial blood in the urine which has now cleared up. 

we’re just hoping and praying this MRI/CT of the chest and lungs doesn’t show anything - that is the current biggest worry. Just trying to take each day at a time. He has me and my mum for support and Macmillan have been amazing so far. 

im just wondering if there’s anyone here in that positive 50% who can give us the bit of hope we really need.

many thanks,

Amy x 

Amy stay positive and I would consider a second opinion on such an important matter. It is your right to ask for that. It may be helpful.  Leo

Hi Amy, 

So sorry to read your latest update, it is always a worry when results are not what you hope for, but there is always hope, every journey is different, I myself after meeting with a consultant was told I needed an urgent CT scan on my lungs (the next day) and was also booked to have a biopsy and to see an oncologist. My oncologist I felt was quite negative saying how localised but advanced the cancer was, but I feel they have to be honest because they don’t know how treatment will go and don’t want to give false hope. 
I had chemo followed by surgery and am now cancer free with regular check ups for reoccurrence. 
There is always positivity and treatments are evolving all the time, I hope your dad can start his treatment plan soon.

take care xx