Calendar for June 2019 – Who is up for Surgeries, Tests, and Treatments?

[marysue]

Hi All:

We are heading close to summer and hopefully it will be a good one weather wise and health wise.  I have posted early as it is shaping up to be real busy for me in the next couple of weeks.  All the best and let’s hope and pray for lots of “all clears”.  (((HUGS)))

[Rick B]

Best wishes to all having something done in June…ditto on praying for lots of “all clears”

God Bless.

Rick

[Xandra]

Hi,

I am a 64 yr old woman,

I am starting the my induction series of BCG on June 12th. I had my first TUBR on March 5th and I was diagnosed with High Grade invasive BC (into the lamina propria) on March 11th. (quick turnaround with the pathology results)  Second TUBR on April 16th and heard back from the surgeon on May 9th (three weeks later)  All clear with the second TUBR.  I found worst thing was the waiting for results, and knowing they were back, but not being allowed to have them sent to my GP until the surgeon reviewed them. I worked in pathology for 20+ years and I found this so annoying.   Now I am a little anxious after hearing about the shortage of BCG which seems timed perfectly to my treatments.  Going in positive though!  Thankful that I have this treatment option and that I live in a country with FREE HEALTHCARE.  I have family member going through a cancer journey in the USA and it’s a nightmare.

My other concern is how did I get this?  I never smoked, which I have heard is a major risk factor.

So glad to have found this site.

Xandra

Xandra

[marysue]

Hi Xandra:

Welcome to Bladder Cancer Canada but sorry that you have need of us. I too, found waiting for results extremely stressful.  I was lucky that my GP got the results and I found out when I went to see him about another matter.  My results had been sitting at the uro’s office for a few days and no one had called me yet so that made me very upset.  Now, I go to my GP for results on everything as I always ask that he be cc’d for any reports/results.  That gives me the “back door” to find out things.

As for why you got bladder cancer  – that can be a real mystery for some of us.  I never smoked either but was exposed to a lot of second hand smoke growing up and in the work place until it was banned.  Whether that and exposure to lots of pollution including chemicals sprayed on fruit trees did it, I don’t know but I wouldn’t be surprised if they had a hand in it.

One thing that I have learned is that some of us have a better body when it comes to eliminating toxins and those of us that don’t can be at a higher risk for cancer.  Unfortunately there is no test per se to figure this out ahead of time.  This is something that was discovered in research.

For myself, after much anguish and soul searching, I have concluded that I was just dealt a lousy hand in the deck of cards and have to play it the best I can.  I have had bladder cancer twice (2008, 2010).  My diagnosis was TaG3 which translates in English to very superficial Stage 0, but high grade – a little less serious than your diagnosis.  I had a TURBT each time and it was followed with BCG.  I had a lot of side effects from the BCG but put my big girl pants on and powered through.  I’m almost 10 years cancer free.

Going in with as positive an attitude as possible is definitely one of the keys to a greater chance of success.  I did not start out with that and it added to the challenges.  Once I got my head in the game, partly from receiving support from folks on this site, I found I could deal with things much better.  I wish you all the best going forward.  Please keep us in the loop as to how things are and don’t hesitate to ask questions.  ((((HUGS))))

[Xandra]

Hi Marysue,

<li style=”text-align: left;”>Thanks for writing.  I have read that with BC recurrence is common, so I feel prepared (who am I kidding) shall I say aware.
• For now I am ready for the BCG.  What I find strange is the total lack of information beforehand from the health care team.  Not a pamphlet or anything.  My doctor seems to be excellent, I just haven’t seen much of him, just a few minutes before the two surgeries at the hospital. I’ve had one office visit.  When this all started.
• BUT. This site is AMAZING.  Lots of good advice and information. So thankful that it exists.
• X

Xandra

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