Saying hello ...

Well here's a forum that I didn't expect to be on! but I guess we're all in the same/similar position.

Backstory - Male 54, reasonably healthy (Cyclist, Golf and Walker) - still working - Saw a couple of "specs" (no bigger than a full stop with a pencil on paper!) in my pee back in June/July ish at work and thought dirty urinals.  Then 30th July saw one at home and thought that's not dirt! - Then 31st July had a few bigger specs, rang doctors who provided me with a same day appointment and asked to bring a sample.  

Just before leaving for docs did a rather dark sample - he took one look at it and said "I don't need to test that, it's blood" (he did test it anyway!).  A quick prostrate test later and then he explained everything from possible causes of UTI, Kidneys, Bladder and worst case Cancer.  I work in Service and deal with worst case scenarios everyday so I immediately went to cancer position but at least I was prepared in my own mind to expect that whilst hoping for the best.

3 days later after blood tests and a course of UTI antibiotics (just in case) I'd also been "fast tracked" to NHS for further investigations.

I had my Flexible Cystoscopy mid August (where I saw my tumour clear as day on the screen and even I knew then, that what I saw shouldn't be there!), I was also given a date for my 1st TURBT as I came out of that appointment along with another date for a CT Scan and Ultrasound.

I was due to fly on holiday on the date of my TURBT so that messed up my plans to say the least and thankfully had holiday insurance.  It also meant that a 2nd holiday later in September was being cancelled on the advice of hospital and potential outcome of TURBT.

1st TURBT (early Sept) went fine, with a dose of Chemo afterwards [although dying for a pee for that hour!] recovery was fine albeit painful peeing continues.  I was then called in for my "diagnosis" just over 2 weeks afterwards and as soon as I saw the consultant with the nurse in attendance as well I knew what was coming - I was classed as T1 non-muscle Bladder Cancer grade 3.  Shocked? Worried? Confused? Yes - Words going in one ear and straight out the other.

Was told that I'd have a 2nd TURBT albeit without any Chemo and that would drive my next steps - I had that 8 days ago as I write this. 

So that's where I am - 2 TURBTs down and painful to pee (sometimes needing to really push to go - if that makes sense) and awaiting to find out if my scar tissue taken in the TURBT was cancerous or not to determine where my path will take me. 

I must say I've found the support from the NHS and especially the Macmillian team fantastic - I ended up on here as someone suggested looking for insurance companies recommended by others. 

It would have been easy (especially as a bloke) to put everything off and ignore it but thankfully I went to get checked out and if I can ever offer advice listen to your body and if it doesn't feel right get it checked out.  My issue is now every ache and pain is another symptom or it's spread etc. and I assume others have been on that path.  

So a rather longwinded hello!