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Homepage – Forum Forums Newly Diagnosed With Bladder Cancer I think this is where I introduce myself…

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  • #44638
    Scott D
    Participant

    Blood showed up in a urine test end of March. To this day have not seen blood. I have no other apparent symptoms. Ultrasound done on April 6, found two nodules, 8x11x15 mm and 7x7x18 mm. Cystoscopy done May 11. TURBT scheduled for June 19.  I’m 63, male, never smoked. I’ve been ok so far mentally. Just have to await the surgery and results.

    #44639
    marysue
    Participant

    Hi Scott D:

    Welcome to Bladder Cancer Canada but sorry that you may have bladder cancer.  It sounds like you are following the treatment path that many of us have already been on.

    I too, never smoked but lo and behold was first diagnosed in 2008 then again in 2010 and for the third time last September.  That being said, I did grow up in a house full of cigarette smoke because both my parents were heavy smokers and later my two brothers took up the habit.  After I left home, I was exposed to workplace second hand smoke plus smoke on planes, shopping malls, restaurants you name it.  How much of a bearing that had on my diagnosis I don’t know.

    Due to growing up in an agricultural fruit growing area I was exposed to a lot of pesticides and dyed my hair for many years.  Again, how much that played into it is anyone’s guess.  I’ve just assumed that it was a combination of things and my body was overloaded and that was that.

    Blood in the urine can be intermittent with bladder cancer.  That is what fools a lot of people.  They have blood once and then it goes away and they think that the problem resolved itself.  Then by the time the blood appears again, the cancer could have progressed.  That is why BCC has the motto “See Red, See Your Doctor.”

    Best Wishes with the upcoming surgery and hopefully the pathology results will be favourable.  Don’t hestitate to post questions.  I’m sure that you will have some as time goes along.  No question is a dumb question.  Having bladder cancer is a real learning curve.  We are here to help all that need and want it.  (((HUGS)))

    #44640
    Nightingale
    Keymaster

    Hi Scott D,

    Thank you for sharing your story with us in this Forum.  I’m sure you’ve read by now there are many shapes and sizes of the disease.  As MarySue indicated blood in the urine can be tricky.  For me it was in the form of – what looked like little black specs in the toilet after I urinated.  I did not see blood so to speak.  I mentioned it to my doctor and he told me to keep an eye on it.  I should mention I was in Florida at the time and decided to wait until I returned back to Canada.  I spotted this little black spec maybe twice before returning home.

    In July of 2010, I ran a 5K race and after the race had a tremendous urge to go pee.  I ran to the washroom and what I saw scared the hell out of me.  It was a deep red stream of urine.  This was in 2010, I went through the process of having a cystoscopy and turbt, and learned that I caught mine very early.  It was a very low grade non-muscle invasive.  Mine returned three times.  I never had any BCG treatments and after 7 years of checkups, I was told by my Urologist, I no longer had to see him.  Today, I am a 13 year survivor.  Wishing you all the best!

    My best,

     

    #44738
    coliver52
    Participant

    To Scott D, I just wanted to wish you all the best for your upcoming TURBT. I am glad to hear you have been okay so far mentally. It’s never easy to have something like this sprung on you so unexpectedly, so I really admire your attitude. When I was diagnosed, I didn’t know anything about bladder cancer or that blood in the urine could be a symptom, not that I ever saw any actual blood. I still recall going to a walk-in clinic rather than to my family doctor because I was in a different town and suffering from what I assumed was a urinary tract infection. This clinic doctor tested my urine, told me he saw blood in my urine and gave me an antibiotic prescription for a urinary tract infection. No mention of bladder cancer! It was another nine months before I finally got the correct diagnosis. Holy crap! Did this guy even go to medical school? Anyway, I am glad you were treated properly and I wish you the very best for the 19th. We are all rooting for you. Warmest wishes.

    #44742
    Scott D
    Participant

    Hi Coliver52,

    Thanks for reaching out. I feel good. But, I’m prepared for the worst but hoping for the best.  My big concern is is getting back after the TURBT. I’m not one to lay around. Lots of support!

    Scott D

    #44746
    marysue
    Participant

    Hi Scott D:

    The biggest thing for recovering from a TURBT is to avoid too much too soon.  The surgical wounds from the tumour removal are only cauterized not stitched so it is important to listen to your body and rest as needed.  You can check with your doctor about when you can expect to be able to resume activities but the general rule of thumb for recovery for the majority is:

    1) No heavy lifting, housework, gardening, strenuous exercise for 4-6 weeks.  This allows the surgical sites time to heal over.

    2) If you are in a relationship – usually no sex for 4 weeks.

    3) Most can resume driving after 1-2 weeks.  The main factor here is to make sure that you are not under the influence of meds and that you feel comfortable behind the wheel.  Driving too soon can set off bladder spasms.

    4) If you are working, check with your doctor about when to return to work.  A lot depends on the type of work that you do.  If you have a heavy physical job you may need more time off and/or a change of or reduction of duties for a bit.

    5) Go for short walks as able and rest as needed.  By short walks I mean around your neighbourhood not a 5 mile hike up the mountain.

    6) Drinks lots of water and I mean lots; 2-3 litres a day if possible.  Avoid caffeine like coffee, tea, soda pop etc.  Caffeine can irritate the bladder.  The extra water will help keep your urine diluted and speed healing.

    7) The majority of us wake up post op with an IV and a catheter.  The catheter is usually removed after a few hours or early the next morning if you have stayed overnight.  Sometimes it is necessary to go home with a catheter in for a few days.  It depends on the situation.  If that happens for you, you will be given instructions on how to care for yourself and what to do about getting it removed.  I had to do this last time and it wasn’t too big a deal but once it is removed you do have to be on the watch for infection for a bit.

    8) You may or may not have blood in your urine post op. If you do it can last for up to 6 weeks.  If you suddenly pass a lot of clots or the bleeding increases significantly, rest, drink lots of water and check in with your doctor.  It usually means that you have done too much too soon and will subside on its own.  Occasionally it can mean a bit of a complication post op so that is why it is important to check in with your doctor if this happens.

    9)The biggest thing to watch for post op is infection.  If you have symptoms of fever, chills, burning when peeing, urine that looks and smells unusual chances are you have an infection and it should be checked out ASAP.  You will need an antibiotic for this. Same for if you have any difficulty urinating.  If you have difficulty urinating or can’t urinate this is a post op potentially life threatening medical emergency.  Get to the ED ASAP.

    10) If you are given scripts for pain and/or antibiotic to prevent infection.  Take meds as advised.  You may or may not have post op pain.  The majority of us have at least some for a week or so post op.  It is important to take pain meds if the pain is bothersome because it allows your body to rest, relax and heal better.  You will not gain anything by trying to be brave and not take pain meds.

    Pathology results usually come in within two weeks of having surgery.  Those results will determine any next steps and you will be advised at that time.

    Please take it one day at a time, one step at a time.  Your body and bladder will thank you for it.  Take care and best wishes for a successful surgery.   (((HUGS)))

    #44770
    Nightingale
    Keymaster

    Hi Scott D,

    Excellent advice from MarySue.  I conducted a training session 4 days after and although I was mostly standing and presenting my material, I found when I went to pee, I peed blood.  I took the next several days off and just rested and the bleeding stopped.  BTW, I am a 13 year survivor.

    My best,

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