Ways to cope?

Hi MM6 and welcome to this friendly and supportive group. Unfortunately we know BC has a habit of recurring but that's no help to you. The toll on waiting for results is immense and we always tend to think the worst. Whatever the outcome they will come up with a plan for you. Feel free to talk here with others who understand . Best wishes.

Hi Mm6,

I'm not the best at giving advice, but here goes. 

You're not alone with your fears. The treatment's do take it out on you mentally plus physically of course.

I'm still going through my first set of treatments (see my profile for more info), but can appreciate that you went through all that treatment to have it return must be incredibly difficult.

I think we all have good and bad day's mentally, I've had mental health issues long before I was diagnosed with cancer so I do understand that feeling of helplessness at time's.

I think the only advice I can offer as everyone is different, is that if you are struggling then do speak to someone. Sometimes just talking can  really help.

Remember you've beat this once so you can do it again.

I really wish you all the best.

Bfg.

MM6  As others have indicated, no, it's not just you. 'Coping' becomes an endurance event with bladder cancer and even with the good outcomes of many on here morale can take a hammering when symptoms and the need for treatment make their unwelcome return. I joined this forum quite recently for similar reasons - things just seemed to be getting to me despite having managed relatively ok since 2018. 

It helps to talk either on here or to friends and family when you feel the strain. With many members on here having had their ups and downs it does not feel so much that you are just harping on - we do understand and will listen.  I'm much older (74) and only receiving palliative treatment as and when symptoms demand. My last flexible cystoscopy in 2022 showed that tumours removed in two TURBTs in 2018 were growing back. I could cope with that. No treatment followed from these results and my symptoms which I'd had since 2018 (mainly bleeding) had not really upset me until late last year when I began to feel abject despair at the slightest hint of blood in my catheter tube/bag. Today I feel fine mentally!

Wishing you all the best with further results or treatment if necessary.   

Just echoing what everyone else is saying: "you are not alone!" The group is very supportive, so don't be afraid to ask questions, not matter how "silly" they may seem. If you want to let your feelings, do so! 

On a positive note, there are many treatments and many of them successful in treating BC, so try not to despair. More importantly, don't be a stranger.

It certainly is not just you. Almost all of us intimately know what you are feeling. Your recognition is an asset but at times very heavy. Stay strong, my friend.