Hiya!

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Hello everyone, 

Firstly, I’d like to thank everyone for all the useful information, commentary and support on here. I’ve just started reading it but there’s a real camaraderie that shines through. 

I’m not sure I should be posting here quite yet, as I’m still waiting for my diagnosis. After recurrent issues with my bladder not emptying properly stretching back a good few years, I got in touch with the doctor again recently as it seemed to be getting bad again - what seemed like lots of UTIs and pain. They sent me for an ultrasound and I was lucky enough to get in on Monday, and the results were sent back urgently as there’s apparently a 1.2cm lesion in my bladder.

I also had some blood tests on Tuesday and they’ve come back with borderline high red blood cell, white blood cell and leukocyte readings, as well as what seems to be non-diabetic hyperglycaemia. I don’t really understand what all that means, but I’ve got to go back for more bloods in a couple of weeks. 

I've been given a referral to the urology department at Derby Royal Hospital and an appointment for a week on Friday, but no detail as to what this will entail yet. It was fairly scary seeing the words ‘urgent’ and ‘cancer’ on my notes on the NHS app and wasn’t something I was expecting to see. I’m guessing the lesion will have to be checked out to see if it is malignant or not. The referral also mentions ‘suspected renal cancer’, but no one has spoken about this to me yet - just the bladder lesion.

Anyway, on the one hand I’m really pleased that everything is moving, and on the other hand a bit in the dark as to what it means. Obviously I’ve done the whole thing of going down internet rabbit holes, which is what led me here, and it seems that benign lesions in the bladder are quite unusual, but I’m still hopeful that it might prove to be so, and also feeling positive that something is being done to address the problems. I’m in a fair bit of pain and discomfort around my groin, abdomen and back, which is what really encouraged me to go back to the doctor after a good few years of investigations leading nowhere. I’m hopeful that, whatever the outcome, that can be addressed so I can get a decent night’s sleep again ;) 

I know it’s hard to make a prognosis without any of the investigative data, but I’d be interested to know the experiences of others and what I might expect from my referral, and also if anyone has had a benign lesion that’s been treated. 

Thank you all again for such wonderful wisdom, insight and openness in these forums. It’s been really helpful to read and to see the positivity shining through from so many people. I wish you all the best in your individual journeys Slight smile

-matt

  • I think it can be hit and miss regarding support once you are in the system. I have been extremely fortunate to be given the same CNS as my husband so I felt I could speak to her and contact her whenever I was worried and she has been so supportive. 
    I did have a wry smile with your comment regarding wrong doctors receiving info, I can access all my documents on the NHS app and my letters have been sent to two different drs at my practice, one left a few years ago and one I have never seen before! 
    sorry to hear about your best friend, it must have been a very sad time for you.

    Annie x

  • Hi Matt,

    Sorry to read that you are struggling. We all do during our BC journeys ️ Blue heartAfter  I had both my TURBTs I left the ward with an information pack of numbers to call if I was unwell after the surgery and a number for the Urology CNS. Didn't you get anything like that? If not you could always give the Consultant's Secretary a call to ask her for those contact numbers. If you are unhappy with your treatment or if you feel you have "fallen through the gap" you could always speak to PALS at your Hospital, I'm sure that they would be able to help.

    In the meantime, you need to be kind to yourself and try to take things easy. Your bladder will still be healing so try to not do anything too strenuous. 

    Love to you and your children, Ade xx

  • Thank you Ade :) I didn’t get an information pack, no. I was just told that if I was struggling to urinate I should call my GP or 111, or if necessary go to A&E. 

    I’m sure I haven’t really fallen through the gap, it’s just my mind playing tricks on me. If I’m still none the wiser after four weeks I’ll chase them. 

    And I’m definitely taking it easy :) I’m usually quite active so it’s been a bit of a struggle but I’ve listened to my body and I’ve been relaxing and taking naps where needed. 

  • Hi Ade,I think all hospitals should provide an information pack.I never had anything like that and it would have been helpful.Love Jane xx

  • I had a call yesterday from the urology department asking me if I could go in today to see the consultant following my TURBT. Happily I accepted, as it meant some answers! 

    I went in, and she was great. Kind, friendly and open and honest which was good. The biopsy suggests TaG3, so they’re going to book in another TURBT around the end of August, beginning of September, just to get a bit more muscle tissue to make sure that it’s not invasive, and a CT scan before then to ensure that it’s not spread. 

    All being well, they’ll then set me off on the BCG programme.

    She said it was fairly unusual for someone of my age (45) to have G3, and asked if I’d worked with chemicals or dyes in the past  I haven’t, but I was a smoker for a long while and that wouldn’t have helped.

    So, possibly not the news that I was hoping for, but I’m comforted by the fact that it could have been much worse, and that I’ve now got a pathway to follow and I’ve been introduced to the CNS team for any questions or support. Probably, all in all I’m feeling more positive at the moment than I was a few days ago. 

  • Hi Matt, good to hear you are now on a pathway. I remember feeling a lot calmer once the plan was put in place, and the support team to go to. If you click on my profile my diagnosis was T1G3 and I have recorded all treatment for reference and comparison really. 2nd TURBT will soon come round. Take care of yourself and get match fit as they say. We are all here and you are among friends that will help.

    Much love Angela x

  • Thanks Angela. That’s super useful advice and glad to hear that you found some calm :) 

    The people on here are absolutely amazing. Huge amounts of love to you all :) 

  • Hi Matt,Good to hear you have a nice consultant and that you have a better idea of what will happen.Best wishes moving forward.Love Jane x

  • Thank you so much Jane :) 

  • Hi Derbyblade,

    Just catching up with your posts and sounds like you're getting things sorted.

    Second TURBTs seem to be very common for most, including myself. I stayed overnight in the hospital for both of mine, but that isn't always the case. I didn't mind staying in though. I also recovered quicker on the 2nd TURBT.

    I was diagnosed G3p TA early 2023 and was put on the BCG program..I was 51 when diagnosed and tried to figure out, or rationalise why me. Not smoked in over 30 years, never worked with chemicals. Guess I'll never know. 

    I've had 15 BCG instillations and not wishing to tempt fate I've not had any reoccurrence. I'm aware this might not always be the case going forward, but since my first biopsy (early 2023) too my last June 2024 I've had the all clear. I found hearing other people's experiences very helpful early days which is why I've shared mine.

    My history is on my profile ( nowhere near as good as Angela's though).

    Anyhow, just want to wish you all the best and keep us updated.

    Take care.

    Trevor