Bladder cancer diagnosed three weeks ago

Hi Madmax and welcome to the group. I am sure you will get plenty of support here as you go forward. Firstly, be aware that bladder cancer can be treated successfully and many of us have been through it. A follow up TURBT is routine and not usually as severe as the first. Just to check they have missed nothing even though they may think they have got it all. It also helps with a more accurate diagnosis. I hope all goes well. Best wishes.

I can't tell you how relieved I was to read your reply. I was feeling pretty dejected, but now am far more positive. 

Hi Madmax. We know how scary the early days of uncertainty and not knowing can be. Once you get on the treadmill of treatment you then have something positive to focus on. BCG is a standard treatment and many here have had it and can help you through it. Best wishes.

Hi Madmax,Welcome to our friendly group.I hope you find it helpful and supportive.Best wishes Jane 

Hi Madmax,

Welcome to this friendly forum. 

Sorry that you have to have another TURBT so close to Christmas. Although I was in the same boat as you with my first TURBT was on 21st December nearly 3 year's ago now.

I also had another TURBT and this is very common I believe.

My tumor was also 3cm and is (was) Grade 3 pta.

I've been on BCG since and have had 18 BCG instillations.. My last biopsy was in August 25, and came back all clear. 

Wishing you all the best.

Trevor 

Most likely overlooked the first time. The blue light I think gives them a better view of any suspect areas. They will be biopsied to confirm stage & grade to know that BCG is still the most appropriate treatment. Would be wise to check with your team about the cytoprotective capsules. Some of the over the counter items can be incompatible with the conventional medication. General advice is usually healthy (Mediterranena style) diet & exercise. Hope all goes well for you.

Hi Madmax, sorry you’re here but welcome to our friendly group…you probably have a million things going around in your head..

Ask any questions and I’m sure someone will be along with an answer..im also on the BCG route, #15 had in September. This group has and still are amazing…we all lean on each other from time to time…I hope everything goes as well as it can do.

Nigel xx

It’s been two years since my diagnosis, had my bladder removed, currently all clear. #treatable ps. Welcome

Hi Madmax. I was diagnosed with high risk non muscle invasive bladder cancer in February of this year and would like to recount my story so far. It was important for me to hear of other people’s experiences and got me through some dark times.

i had 2 TURBTs and Mytomycin treatment for starters and then 6 weeks induction BCG immunotherapy. After the induction course I had ct and mri scans as well as blood and urine lab tests and at that point was relieved to hear that all traces of the cancer had disappeared. I have now completed 3 weeks BCG maintenance which was tougher than the initial BCG. Just last week I had a cystoscopy and a urine lab test and am pleased to say there has been no recurrence. There were no cancer cells detected.

in January I will embark on another 3 weeks maintenance bcg followed by another cystoscopy. After that I won’t need bcg treatment for 6 months. I feel great and will stick it out with the immunotherapy.

Unfortunately the maintenance bcg was not pleasant and worse than the induction course. I expect the next one to be bad also, but well worth it as an insurance.

I am in a good place now and would suggest sticking with everything recommended by the urologists. 

I still enjoy the odd glass of wine but have cut back on caffeine. I find that lemon barley water and Paracetomel help with the after effects of the immunotherapy.

stick at it and best of luck.

This is very helpful. I will certainly try Lemon and Barley water with paracetamol. I am currently waiting for the second TURBT on 23/12. I am not sure if they will give me a second round of Mitomycin. Furthermore, they have warned me that I will have to go through three rounds of maintenance BCG after the initial inductive BCG with check cystoscopy four weeks after each of the maintenance 3 week. Maximum BCG they are willing to give is 15 doses. My CTurogram will be end of 2026, it seems. I notice on this forum that some people have had 18 doses of BCG.