Hello

Hello JoyceF and welcome to this friendly group. The early days of not knowing and uncertainty can be the worst and our minds go in to overdrive. Bladder cancer can be treated successfully and many of us here have been around a long time. If this is your first op, then it will probably be done in day surgery, but prepare for an overnight just in case. Biopsies will be taken and that will determine the next step. Once you know exactly what you are dealing with, you will have a plan in place and something positive to focus on. lots of experience here so feel free to ask anything or just come and talk. You will get plenty of support here going forward. Best wishes.

Thank you for replying. Really kind of you. 

Hi JoyceF,Welcome to our friendly group.I hope you won’t feel as anxious now you have joined us.It’s natural to feel scared when first diagnosed but it gets easier once you know what is happening.We are all here to help.Best wishes Jane 

Thanks Jane. Knowing others understand helps. 

Dear Joyce,

I'm another one who knows what it's like and can confirm that bladder cancer is treatable and the operation will be here before you know it. Keep asking us questions or just chatting and that may help.

Any operation is scary and when it involves the word cancer things seem to be even worse. 

I wonder what your way of dealing with difficult things usually is? I like to know all about stuff so I read everything the hospital gave me. The Macmillan site has a very good booklet about bladder cancer by the way, if you weren't told much.

My husband would rather not know these days, despite being a scientist, so I read for him and let him know if he sounds as if he would like a little bit of info.

I don't know how old you are but I was 69 when diagnosed, 70 when operated on to remove my bladder and next week I shall be 72 and still going strong - you can't tell I've had cancer and I enjoy life all the more for having got rid of it. So the outcome for you is likely to be just as good. I'm female too by the way.

All the best,

Latestart

Aw thank you. I appreciate you getting in touch so much. Usually my brain rationalises things and then I can see positives. Not working this time! It’s lovely to think you have a good life after. Knowing other people have walked this road really help. My grown up children are so positive. I need to catch up with them. Just fighting fear! 

Hi JoyceF.

Welcome to the group, but sorry to hear your diagnosis.

I'm sure most of us have had the same thoughts at the beginning. I know it's hard to believe but it does get easier to comprehend. I'm not saying it's easy, but knowing what's going on and having a treatment plan in place does help.

I stayed overnight on my TURBTs, so best be prepared for a sleepover.

Wishing you all the best and please keep us updated. This friendly group helped me massively and still does and I hope it helps you also.

Take care.

Trevor.

Thanks Trevor. I hadn’t thought it could be overnight so thanks for the heads up. It’s weird that I can’t imagine feeling better but your reply and others makes me feel that maybe I will. I’m so glad I’ve found this group. 

It is hard to believe, I was told the same thing when I first joined this group, nearly two years ago now, but it does. Well did for me anyway.

I found hearing about other people's experiences really helped. Various types of treatment plans, I'm on the BCG program due to my diagnosis (G3pTA).

Had my last biopsy 11/10/2024 and my results came back today and I'm all clear, 22 Months since my first TURBT. Just thought I'd mention it just to highlight some good outcomes.

Wishing you all the best again.

Trevor 

So glad for you Trevor. And thank you.