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Bladder Cancer

Earthquake
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I am a 59 year old male with Bladder Cancer, I was diagnosed in March 2024 after visiting the doctors with blood in my urine. First I had a Cystoscopy which is a camera inserted into your water pipe, this is uncomfortable but it's soon over. I was then offered a cystectomy which is bladder removal or BCG treatment, I opted for the BCG treatment had one of those at school and got tuberculosis but that's another story.

I have just completed or will the end of this week my induction course of 6 sessions where this is not pleasant but each session is over in a few minutes so it's nothing to fear, side effects differ from person to person, I generally have had flu like symptoms that have left me in bed for 24/48 hours then subsides and back to normal, some people have no side effects I am not that lucky.

Where anyone getting diagnosed with any cancer is not good news we are very fortunate in this country to have the NHS we take our health for granted but we are lucky we have their expertise when we are sick.

I am very grateful for the support I have had.

Try to stay positive with any diagnosis even though it not the news we want to hear we are in good hands with the NHS.

I hope this reassures some people.

  • Hello Earthquake

    I'm sorry to hear that you've recently been through the first phase of treatment for bladder cancer. It sounds as though despite the side effects you've had from the BCG treatment you're trying to remain positive about things which is great to hear. I know that many of our members will agree that having a positive mindset can be really helpful when journeying with cancer. 

    I'm sure that at some point in the future, your post will offer support and reassurance to another person who finds themselves at the beginning of this pathway so thank you for sharing your experience. It really does help. 

    I hope that you are able to enjoy the festive season with family and friends and that your next phase of treatment passes as smoothly as possible. 

    Best wishes, 
    Jenn
    Cancer Chat moderator 

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    Hi bud

    I'm awaiting Turbt op in January and more than likely have BCG same as you so did you have this treatment every month?..... And yeah i agree the pain with cystoscopy is not nice at all. 

    Best wishes bud

    Dave

  • Offline in reply to Davo63

    Hi atleast your out cold for the TurBt, if you get a early morning slot you should go home the same day otherwise you stay overnight they put a catheter in while your asleep and take it out before you go home. You have to pee 3 times before they let you go, it's not nice but you get used to it.

    The BCG treatment is once a week for 6 weeks this is called the induction course then a few weeks break then a biopsy must be same as a TurBt then two more weeks break then three more BCGs over 3 weeks then you get three months break this is called the maintenance period. 

    After three months break you have a biopsy first then three more BCG then six months break as I understand it.

    You will be fine

    All the besr

  • Offline in reply to Earthquake

    Thank you so much for that info, that will prepare me. 

    I try and stay positive but it's so hard sometimes but i know the hospital staff will do their best. 

    How are you coping bud ? 

  • Offline in reply to Davo63

    Try to stay positive, there are plenty of people on here going through the same as you, we are all here to help you to stay positive. Where getting diagnosed is not the best news we hoped for at least now we have a treatment plan in place. I myself take every day as it comes try to live as normal as possible, had quite a few days off sick this year but at least my company have been very supportive so I am lucky in that respect. The success rate for this treatment is very high so I am told so I take comfort in this

    All the best

    Ian

  • Offline in reply to Earthquake

    Thank you Ian

    I take great comfort from your words and try to take each day as it comes as you say.

    Something like this makes you realise how precious life is and not take things for granted , if and when i get through this i will look at life in a different picture as you probably will too.

    Take care my friend and thank you , I'll keep in touch

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