Calendar for September 2023 – Who is up for Surgeries, Treatments and Tests?

[marysue]

Hi Everyone:

September is fast approaching and hopefully with the advent of fall, it will bring cooler temperatures, some much needed rain and the end to this very long and disastrous fire season that has been happening across much of the country and other parts of the world.

Even though there are many many different events and disasters happening right now, we cannot forget those facing the “disaster” of a bladder cancer diagnosis.  Those of us that have experienced this shock know just how it feels and that nothing else matters.  Our world just stops and the walls close in.  It takes lots of courage, prayers and perseverance to find ways to keep going when it seems that there is nothing but darkness.

September is the month that we have the annual Bladder Cancer Canada fundraising walk.  Walk for yourself or something you know and love that had or has this crazy disease.  Thank you Bladder Cancer Canada for all that you do to help those of us battling bladder cancer.  I can’t even begin to express just how much this organization means to me and the difference it has made in my life.

[Tana]

Hi all;

I have a cystoscopy this Thursday Sept. 14th. My urologist moved me from every three months to get one every six months now. I do give a urine sample every three months.
The six months feels like a long time. It feels surreal I have gone through three years of surgeries, BCG’s and the unexpected and expected.  I can hardly wait to get the cysto over with. Yes, I feel nervous. And So tired of spreading my legs for doctors! 🤪LOL
But yea it is what it is to get er done.
Hugs to ya all-

Tana

[marysue]

Hi Tana:

I hope that you got good news at your cysto check last Thursday.  I had mine on Thursday as well.

For me, it was not quite a 100% clear.  My bladder looked good except for a darkish pink patch on the front wall of my bladder.  My uro and I are fairly certain that it is just remaining inflammation from my spring treatments.  I had two spots of inflammation in the same location going into that first maintenance set.  That being said, my uro wants to see me in 4 months instead of 6 and we will look at the area again.  If it is still there he said that he will do a biopsy to make sure.  In the meantime, for me treatments are on hold to give my bladder a chance to finish healing.  Decisions about next steps will be made at my next cysto which should be in January. I’m just waiting to hear from his staff for a date.

And yeah, I hear you on the comment about being tired of spreading your legs for your doctors.  It is past getting old but it is the only way to get the job done. (((HUGS)))

[Tana]

Hi MarySue ;

Thanks to hear from how you are doing. That inflammation in the bladder is a nuisance- I hope it goes away quickly. I had two biopsies done ( a year apart ) because of the inflammation showing( mine showed up in same location in bladder as a red spot)  and doc wanted to make sure it was not cancer.

And Thankyou ; good news at this most recent cystoscopy! All clear! No red spots either.
My next cysto will be in 6 months with urine samples every three months.

I just realized it is now 4 years this September since my first Turbt!

All the best to you MarySue ;

Cheers – Tana

[Joe]

Hi Tana,

Congrats of completing the full BCG treatment.  I was wondering what had happed as I recall you were pausing the  last BCG treatment because you had imflammation.   4 years are indeed a long journey.  best

 

[Tana]

Hi Joe;

Thankyou!!!

There’s a story behind that last scheduled BCG . I felt like crap and thought well I’ve done the full 2 and 1/2 years, surely the last one won’t make or break a recurrence.

Convinced myself I’d be safe ; cancelled my last one and Then – I went into a full blown panic freak out. It hit me like a ton of bricks- that IF it did recur ; I’d be beating myself up over not taking the last one.

So I called and rebooked the last one.  I shake my head at myself at times.
So it’s been the full 3 year BCG protocol I finished, and now this September 4 years since my diagnosis.

Hopefully I continue on with the clear sailing.

Hope you are all well!

Thanks again for all your support/ chats/ info.

Cheers – Tana

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