Follow up.  I had my first urology appointment yesterday. I'd been promised a "one-stop shop" and expect to be there for four hours. The reality was somewhat different. 

About 10 minutes after my scheduled appointment time, I was called by a nurse to give a urine sample, then about 10 minutes later I was called in by the doctor.  She took a medical history then explained the normal protocol: a CT of the kidneys, and a cystoscopy. All fair and reasonable, but neither of them can be done today. I'll have to return for two more appointments, and I'll be contacted later on.  Her closing words were that in 4 out 5 of these situations, the cause is never discovered, which I suppose is reassuring if it means cancer is ruled out.

However, I was pretty disappointed that instead 4 hours at a one-stop shop I was actually out within 45 minutes; if I'd been told that then I would have arranged my day and travel arrangements completely differently.  I also would have had completely different expectations.  It would be better not to promise what they can't deliver.  

On the plus side, the hospital (which I won't name) is fantastic, the staff were caring and pleasant, and I have complete confidence that any care I might receive in future will be best among the highest that Western medicine can offer - and it's all free on the NHS.  But I'm still on the Merry-Go-Round for a while longer...

Hi telemando I've a good one for you. I've been having pain in my legs went to the doctors he asked were pain was got me to lay down and move legs said straight away it's my cancer I was a bit shocked really. Anyway I had to see oncologist last week asked him what he thought straight away he said its not cancer it's side effects of hormone inj's. That was a relief, I know not to trust my doctor now. 

Billy 

What can I say? That must have been alarming, to say the very least! 

We need you, telemando; the gods would surely not drop you in it again - looking forward to hearing that the news is good.  Annie

Thanks for your kind words, Annie.

I hope the gods don't drop me in it again, but these 2 week referrals are beginning to become a habit - and  one that's difficult to break. 

Hi Telemando,

I have just come across your post - don't know how I've missed it up to now. I am so sorry to hear that you are going through the wringer yet again, but hope that it all turns out well in the end.

I think that anyone with a cancer diagnosis lives with the fear of regrowth/spread but, with your PSI so low, this doesn't seem likely.

Thinking of you as you undergo your tests and praying for a satisfactory outcome.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Well, it seems I've got some answers now. I was called in for a CT on tuesday, and I had a flexible cystoscopy a couple of hours ago.  The CT results aren't back, but the cystoscopy found a small growth inside my bladder which is possibly early stage cancer.  The treatment is to remove it surgically (via the urethra) then send it to the path lab for analysis.  If it looks cancerous then I may or may not get treatment, but I'll certainly get a number of follow up cystoscopies.  

I just hope when the CT comes back they dont find anything wrong! 

Hi Telemando,

I'm glad to hear that you have some answers now. If this growth on your bladder is still small and is removed, I hope that the pathology results will not find any cancer.

I have my fingers crossed for your CT results. Any idea when you'll get these, or have your surgery?

Kind regards,

Jolamine

Hi Jolamine.  So far the growth has not been removed and no biopsy taken.  It will be removed during the surgery and sent to the path lab for analysis. Depending upon the results I may or may not need further treatment. No idea when I'll get the CT results. Fingers crossed they don't find anything serious!