Calendar for June 2021 – Who is up for Surgeries, Tests and Treatments?

[marysue]

Hi Everyone:

I got really busy in May and nearly forgot to post this for June. Where does the time go?  My sincerest apologies.

One topic that has come up for me recently with doing support calls with patients is the need to keep up with regular tests, screening, surgeries etc.  We all know that the Covid pandemic has played real havoc with timely access to cancer services across the board this past year or so. Many people that should have gone for appointments or into the ED did not and I know of a few that are now paying for it.  I would like to encourage everyone to be persistent in staying in contact with their medical team and NOT delay any tests, surgeries etc. unless given the okay by your health care practitioners.  For some that may make the difference as to whether you get to keep your bladder or not.  For others it may save your life.

The vaccine rollout is picking up steam across the country and the Covid numbers are going down.  So let us hope and pray that this third wave is the last wave of this challenging illness.  Get you shot when and if able.  Consult your doctor if you have any questions with regards to getting the shot while undergoing treatment.  Keep up the mask wearing, social distancing etc.  Hang in all.  We can do this.

[Danielle]

I’ve just had my Cystoscope this morning and booked for TURBT next Thursday, June 17th.  The Urologist felt at first look and see, the tumour is low grade non invasive.  I was relieved, but will have to wait and confirm after pathology results.

[Bren]

I had my cystoscope last week and all clear so I can continue with my 2nd maintenance in a few weeks. I have scar tissue blocking my left ureter from previous Turbt so will have a stent until my treatments are all done. He replaced the stent last week with no problem and will replace every 3 months with regular cystoscope.  I have HG non invasive and have had 3 recurrences in 2 yrs so have been told that if it returns again I will probably need a cystectomy. Fingers crossed!

[Danielle]

First TURBT coming up this morning.  A little nervous, but thinking only positive thoughts.  Just wondering about post op care, but I’m sure they will tell me all what I can and can’t do and when to resume normal activities.  I’ve been volunteering a couple times a week at our Covid Clinics doing patient monitoring after vaccination, which requires standing and walking around for long periods of time, usually           4-8 hrs shifts, with 15-30 min. coffee and meal breaks in between.  Would I be best to wait about a week before returning.

[marysue]

Hi Danielle:

Best of luck for this TURBT and for a speedy recovery.  A lot will depend on the extensiveness of the surgery and how fast you recover.  As someone who has had two of these surgeries I always say – go slow.  Ask your doctor about when it will be safe to resume driving, returning to work, or as with your case volunteering, having sex etc.  The time range for many seems to range between 2-6 weeks for full recovery. I needed 3-4 weeks both times.

I would prepare to miss a week or even two.  You may find you don’t have the energy at first to tolerate all the standing. Give yourself permission to take care of you.  The basic instructions I remember receiving was- no heavy lifting or heavy housework for 4 weeks, no sex for 4 weeks, no driving for about 2 weeks. I also remember being told to drink lots of water, rest as needed and take short walks as often and able as I could manage. And what most of us discovered, stay off caffeine for a bit.  Caffeine irritates the bladder wall. I wasn’t working the first time, but was working part time retail the second time.  I took 3 weeks off work because my job involved lifting.

The doctors don’t stitch the wound.  It is cauterized after the tumour is cut out and then left to heal over on its own.  If you do too much too soon you will disturb the healing process and the wound will bleed and you may have some abdominal discomfort.

So, the long and short of it is – take it slow, follow the doctor’s instructions and work back into your routine gradually.  Take care and let us know how it goes.  ((((HUGS))))

[Danielle]

Hi Mary Sue,

All went well.  The Dr. said he found what he expected, a low grade tumour, noninvasive.  Pathology will take about 2 weeks to confirm this.  I will see the Urologist July 27th, to discuss follow up cystoscopes every 3-4 months for now.  Some discomfort with voiding, bleeding is settling down.  My good girl friend was with me and stayed with me at home for a couple of hours, made me tea and toast.  So nice to have good friends.  Being alone is not easy sometimes, but I’m so relieved and thankful it went well.  Dr’s orders are pretty much the same and yes, definitely at least 2 weeks is recommended for recovery.  My oldest son is comping from Toronto to visit for a few days….can’t wait!

Thank you again for your support and advise.  It is much appreciated.

Take care.  (((HUGS))) back at you!

Danielle

 

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