Hello Shackboss and thanks for your post,

I am sorry to hear about your situation.

I can imagine that with such a quick diagnosis this must have come as a big shock for you and your family.

The aim with any treatment will be to control your cancer for as long as possible. You may be given a combination of chemotherapy drugs. The doctors may give you  two or three cycles of treatment and then you may have a scan to see how well the chemotherapy has worked. If a treatment does not appear to be working there maybe other drugs that the oncologists may consider using.

We do have some information on treating bladder cancer on our website.

I think it is too early for the doctors to say what this will look like long term. Your oncology team will need to see how well you respond to the treatment. 

You may be given a specialist nurse who will help explain all that is involved. We have some information on our website about preparing yourself for chemo .

I have provided a link about talking to children about cancer. which you might find helpful to look at. 

You may also find it helpful to look at the charity Fruitfly Collective

It can also help to chat this through with your children's teachers at school  so they are aware of what is going on in the background and can offer support.

I can understand how overwhelming this must be for you. Try and take one step at a time. I am sure that the doctors and nurses at the hospital will provide you with information about any forthcoming treatment. Don't be afraid to ask questions. It does help to take someone with to appointments as they can also listen to what your doctors have to say.

If you are near a Maggie's Centre they offer lots of support and help. They also offer online courses if you don't have a centre near you at home.

You may also find it helpful to talk things through with your GP to see what help and support they may be able to help with.

Do try and rely on friends and family. Chemotherapy can be tiring and if you are feeling tired all ready you need to lean on others for support.

I am sure that things will be clearer over the next week or so.

You are welcome to ring and chat any of this through with one of the helpline nurses. The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.

All the best,

Catherine