Hello all. Not doing well mentally here. I've searched all over but can't find anyone else similar to me. I was diagnosed with TCC, told bladder cancer but in my kidney. Cannot have operation to remove because of co morbities. So radiotherapy was "tried". I am told successful, cancer not showing, no spread. No further treatment only 6 month scans, number 3 due very soon. But I just can't accept this, how could it be so easy. I feel something dreadful is waiting for me. Please has anyone else had similar.
Hi suecol
Iam a recent member of the group and I find it very helpful and supportive. I believe it is always important to stay positive. It is great news that you are clear but the anxiety is understandable but remain positive and remind yourself that you are cancer free. Best wishes for the next scan.
Mark
Hi Suecol,
I think everyone here who has had treatment for bladder cancer and been told that they are clear and put onto 3 monthly and then 6 monthly review will understand your feeling.
Of course many of us will have had chemo and/or an operation to remove the site of the cancer - in my case they removed my bladder. Others still have their bladder but have immunotherapy to remove just the tumour. In any event, that is a big event that makes us willing to believe that the thing has gone. You could not have an operation because of your health so your medics gave you the radiotherapy, which they tell you has worked, leaving you without any signs of disease.
That is exactly the same position that I am in. Except that I have had 8 quarterly reviews and they have found no sign, yet. Hopefully that will continue for the foreseeable future as I enter the next 3 years of 6 monthly reviews. But like all patients treated for cancer I am aware that there are no guarantees. But you cannot believe that wasn't just a try but a success.
So yes, 'something dreadful' may be waiting for both of us, or not. And there is nothing we can do to influence it either way. However, the reason they do these scans and reviews is in case. They want to give us the best chance of a long and productive life by keeping an eye on us. And I am very grateful for that. And I am sure you will be too if you can look at things in a similar way.
Before each scan, we all get nervous and begin to 'what if' but I tell myself that if they do find something they will try something to put it right and then I forget it and get on with doing the things that the treatment I have had so far has given me the chance to do. I shall worry about having a problem only when I actually have the problem, in other words.
I hope that this view will help you adopt a similar stance, but if not I would advise you to talk to a counsellor because this requires adopting a certain way of thinking and you may need help to regain your optimism.
All the best,
Latestart
Whatever cancer throws your way, we’re right there with you.
We’re here to provide physical, financial and emotional support.
© Macmillan Cancer Support 2025 © Macmillan Cancer Support, registered charity in England and Wales (261017), Scotland (SC039907) and the Isle of Man (604). Also operating in Northern Ireland. A company limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales company number 2400969. Isle of Man company number 4694F. Registered office: 3rd Floor, Bronze Building, The Forge, 105 Sumner Street, London, SE1 9HZ. VAT no: 668265007