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Hello TrevG,
Good to know that your date is confirmed. I was going to offer to you that if you are interested, I am hosting my Bladder Cancer Support Group in Hamilton using ZOOM tonight Tues Feb 23rd. If yes, just reply in here with the word yes and I will contact you privately with the link to the ZOOM call. We start at 6:30 PM.
You will have an opportunity to chat with others on the Support Call.
BTW, I will be reviewing 6 slides on BCG and COVID 19. Content has been approved by the Medical Advisory Board of BCC.
My best,
Hi TrevG:
When I was waiting for my first cysto it was a 2.5 week wait which I thought was absurd but given the limitations on time and space it was the best they could do at the time. I did mention that I would be willing to move up should a cancellation happen but it didn’t so I had to wait the full 2.5 weeks. Waits are probably longer now because of COVID and some of the limitations that there may be on the number of patients in the waiting room etc.
In Calgary where I live some people do have a support person go into the cysto exam room with them but given the current circumstances, I agree with Jack, this will be a question for your doctor or the hospital. Check ahead before your appointment. The rules may vary depending on how Covid is playing out in a particular region of the country.
As for the exam itself, Jack has given you a good description. And yes, as he mentioned, you can see what the doctor sees on the monitor so he should be able to tell you right off what is happening. I always watch as I find it fascinating to see inside my body. My current uro gives me a running commentary on what is happening. My first uro did not. I could see the screen but had to wait until he was done before I asked any questions. He got annoyed if I spoke during the exam. If you have questions pre exam, I suggest writing them down and make sure that the uro sees them before the exam. My current guy is really good. If I have questions, I write them down on a sheet of paper and hand them to the nurse when I enter the exam room telling her I have questions. She makes sure that my uro sees them before my exam. We get to the questions first and then proceed with the exam once he knows I’m satisfied with answers.
As for the reasons for blood in the urine – you have heard it. There can be many causes. Bladder cancer is only one of them. The cysto exam will rule that out. The kidney guy can order other tests to check out that end of things. Other possible causes for blood in the urine can be infection, kidney and/or bladder stones and even some medications.
I’m sorry but I don’t know anything about Dr. Lo since I’m in Calgary. You will get through this. Hang in. ((((HUGS))))
Thank you, MarySue. Your way of writing is so soothing.
Having had my share of chronic conditions right from the age of 21, (I had to endure a degenerative condition that affected the corneas), I have observed that our own misfortune (for want of a better word) amplifies our ability to be compassionate towards others. And the world needs more compassion now than ever before.
So, thank you.
As I do thank all the BCC members who I joined on the Zoom call today. It was an hour well spent. The most powerful takeaway was that a BC diagnosis doesn’t have to be a death sentence; that we learn to live, as one member put it “to this inconvenience”, and, as another member put it, to adapt to “the new normal” and carry on enjoying our days.
TrevG
A minor update: Thanks to all the good counsel here, my worry levels have come down and remained down since I posted last.
Yes, the worry does spike, but then I remind myself of the insights I’ve read here.
I do worry that my kidney function is mildly compromised, but my doc said that he’ll arrange for a consultation with a nephrologist only after my appointment with the urologist (for the cystoscopy) on March 22.
I wish you all well.
TrevG
Hello All
Just an update on my March 22 cystoscopy. Well, it did not happen, because the hospital called to say that they needed to reschedule it to next week: March 29.
I received the news with mixed feelings. The bad part was that I would have to wait 7 more days in suspense. The good part is that I have 7 more days of “normal.”
My utmost wish is to come back here on March 29 and announce the test results are clean. Fingers crossed, with a prayer.
Thank you for reading, and wish you the best.
TrevG
Hello All
So here I am, in the waiting room of the hospital, awaiting my turn for the cystoscopy that would tell all.
Happened to meet a very nervous lady, a colon cancer survivor who was recently directed to take a cystoscopy. She was very worried it would turn out to be BC. The best I could do was to wish her that she’d be going home with a clean chit today.
And that’s the wish I have for me, too.
TrevG
It’s clear. I’m mightily relieved.
The cystoscopy itself was a 3-minute procedure and quite painless. It was the wait in the doctor’s office, awaiting my turn, which was more tense.
The urologist said the micro hematuria may be because blood vessels inside the bladder may rupture after vigorous physical activity.
My mild deterioration in kidney function, however, is of concern. But that’s a case for the nephrologist.
This forum has been my lifeboat for the past 1.5 months. It kept safe from sinking into despair
To the kind many who gave me good advice and encouragement, a big thank you. There’s so much good work being done here for the physical and mental health of people and their families. Respect.
TrevG
A big thank you to Jack, Nightingale and in fact to everyone at BCC and on the forum.
I can’t express the tremendous respect I have for what you deal with, and your ability to give despite that.
TrevG
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