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my name is bob and im 37 years old and was told i have bladder cancer--thats pretty much all i was told and i have no clue as to what is going to happen--im scared and after reading some of these blogs im even more scared--can any give me a idea what the next few weeks will bring
Don't panic. I was you about 3 and a half years ago. The spots of cancer went, came back, went, who knows why. I had the BCG treatments and numerous looksees. Pretty much standard operating procedure. I'm on a 6 month check now. Yes, it is scary to read some of these issues and stories, but its a good way to prepare for what could lie ahead. I also highly recommend any meeting groups of patients in your area. Its great to interact with others with the same dx. You learn alot and its inspiring.
First, you need to make sure you have the best medical attention to the problem practical to your location and health insurance. Once you have that, all you do is listen to the specialists and follow their recommendations. After reading the courses of the illness experienced by others, its really random. All you can do is accept the condition and hope and pray you cope well and in good spirits. Best to you.
It all depends on what your doctor does...my husband has it and it isnt easy but its not as scary as you might think...there will be urine tests and biopsys. When we first heard about him having bladder cancer we where scared too..but the people here will help you through...if you need to talk we are here.
Hey Bob,
You'll probably learn more from us than you'll ever want to. With not having more information you may get past this easier than most. You will soon have a roadmap......just follow the directions!
Hey Bob,
You'll be fine. I'm 45 yrs old diagonosed in early Feb 08. Had my tumor removed in late feb 08. Going back in for a partial cystecomy(removal of small area where the tumor was attached to my bladder) removed on Monday April 7th. I suggest you sit down with your computer and do some research and set an appt with your Dr. Make sure that you feel comfortable with your Dr. Ask alot of questions. Write them down and make sure when you meet with him that you have some one with you to write down all the answers. More than anything focus on keeping a positive attitude. Don't get yourself to far ahead of of your diagnosis. Take one day at a time. Here to help in anyway.
John
Hi Bob,
I was diagnosed in Jan 2008, had the TURB surgery and went home later that afternoon. I recently completed my first round of BCG treatments and had a few irritating side effects but nothing horrible. I go back in 2 days for my first cysto check up since the surgery and am nervous but am learning to take it 1 day at a time.
Read, read, read on the internet sites so you can educate yourself as much as possible. Most of the sites also have recommended questions to ask your doctor. If you don't feel confident in your doctor then change.
I was in your shoes about 3 months ago and can assure you that you will get thru this.
Best of luck and keep us posted!
I was just diagnosed myself. The beginning of March, to be exact. Had the cystoscopy , which led to the diagnosis, then the TURBT, which is lingo for removal of the tumors. (I had 4). Dr. said I'm probably looking at 5 years of treatment and check-ups. Will start Mitomycin probably next week. Ask lots of questions. Make sure you're comfortable with your Dr. and tell him to give you the straight scoop. Go to www.medlineplus.com -- great info there. Also NCI (National Cancer Institute) has free publications they will mail to you. Stay positive.
just want to thank everyone that replied--it helped alot over the past few days--this has been hard on my family because we lost a couple loved ones in the family to cancer and being told at such a young age was really hard for me.i look at my two young girls ages 2 and 3 and hope and pray to be around to walk them down the aisle they are my life and its hard when they ask me when daddy will be better.thanks again and my prayers and thoughts are with you all.
Hi, My name is Joe, I was diagnosed when i had just turned 51. It has alot to do with your grading of the cancer. Untill you uro gets a patholigy report Mine was T2N0M0 grade 3. I choice the bladder sparing protocals due to my Active life style and the wish to keep all my plumbing intacked, also the doctor i have was leaning toward that desision. I am fairly healthy, ice fish, motorcycle, fish and chop wood for my heat. My advice to you is first get you grade, second gather all your questions and have someone go with you to your Drs and ask them all. Dont take , i dont know, as an answer. And then research as much as you can
Joe
Hi Bob,
I was 1st diagnosed with bladder cancer in November 2004. It was a miracle that I was diagnosed at such an early stage because I had no symptoms--just a routine urine at a routine physical. Even then it was almost missed because quite frequently with women blood in the urine is thought to be as a result of female issues. My primary care physician didn't follow up, but my Rhuemotologist (sp?) did. Since then I have had one round of BCG treatments and 5 turbs- 3 were false alarms and the biopsy came back with no cancer. I've also had 3 CT Scans. When I read your blog/discussion insert whatever the proper lingo is, I related to you immediately because I was petrified when I was 1st diagnosed and still am the week before a scope or while awaiting CT Scan results, and etc. For about the 1st year I did all the research I could, joined chat rooms, etc. One of the best sites I found was the Bladder Cancer Web Cafe. It has a wealth of information and encouragement. However, I became obsessed with Research and reading other people's horror stories (fear is a funny thing because there were tons of survival stories everywhere on the web as well, but all I seemed to remember were the bad news ones). I, too, have had many loved ones die from cancer, so just the word terrified me. I wasn't very emotionally healthy in this obsessive state, so I dropped out of all the groups, chat rooms, and etc. and took a break. That helped a lot. I still read the latest research and join discussions like I am now, but I balance it. If I spend my life in constant fear then I waste precious time. So, the fear is still there, but I try to put it on hold in between the scopes and CT Scans etc. I'm now on a 6 month schedule, just was scoped and had my Scan done the end of March, so I will put worry and fear on hold for 6 months and enjoy my blooming plants and flowers and summer garden and of course my three special grandsons. However, to get to this point has been a process, and I still meet people who are far better at it than me. I've come a long way from Nov 2004 to April 2008, and you will too, one day at a time. Itr is scary, and cancer is a tragedy. I'm a believer more $$$ should be spent finding cures and better treatments. Besides doing research and balancing my life, I did a few other things that help me cope. Be proactive in your health care. The Nurses tease me about being "on it" when it comes to my medical care. I call and remind them I need a scope even before they have a chance to call me, I've read my biopsy reports, inquire about how often I should have a CT Scan, and etc. Besides these things, I drink tons of water and eat lots of brocolli and greens and green tea when I can. I'm trying to lose weight and have recently started an exercise regiment. I don't smoke. Will all of this make a difference? I don't know, but it helps me to feel empowered, and the research concerning brocolli, green tea, and water is pretty strong. Besides the more fit I am the stronger my immune system that fights the cancer is. I recently read an article about a man who was a 30 year survivor of bladder cancer, and it was old age not cancer that killed him. That encouraged me! I don't know if this helped or not, and I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
Hard to say but try to be calm. Listen and take notes. Keep copies of all correspondence tests. You will be fine. You have been diagnosed at an early stage I pressume?? Ask questions. Be pro-active in your decisions with your Doctor. If you are not comfortable obtain a second opinion. I am 3 years in to this I have had a radical cystectomy(bladder removal). It was not invasive but when it came back it came back with a vengance. I opted for the surgery. All is well. Peace and Blessings to you and your family
Read some of my postings. Bladder cancer is scary but survivable. I am now back at work after the bladder removal surgery and living a pretty normal life (although I get some arguments from friends as to whether I am "normal" or not. lol.
Hi everyone--- I had 2 tumors removed on 4-9-08 and my doctor told me they were low grade surface tumors and that I will need to be scoped every 3 months for 1 year and then every 6 months the rest of my life.He said chances are good they will come back but this was caught very early (I guess the kidney stones were a blessing)I had my stent removed today and Im really sore but I have to go back to work in the morning. My hopes and prayers are with all of you.
Good luck, Bob. Enjoy your life and those 2 sweet little girls and try not to focus too much on the cancer. Just stay on top of it and go to all your check ups. I was first diagnosed in May, 2001 at the age of 44. I have had 5 surgeries to remove bladder cancer since. I'm still square dancing, exercising, and enjoying life.
Doug
Bob: I am just beginning the same phase with my mother. Yes, the unknown is scary, but don't give into the fear. Get educated and know that there are people out here, strangers, who are forging the road for you and all you need do is follow. My prayers are with you. May your diagnosis and treatment require so very little from you. Keep us up to date.
Hi Bob,
How are you doing? I hope you are feeling well and beating the bladder cancer. I had the cystoscopy and then the TUR on September 29th, just about 11 days ago. On the 17th of Oct I will meet with the Doc and find out what stage or grade the cancer is. I assume a "plan" will follow. Let me know how you are doing and what your experience has been.
God Bless,
Ken
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