introducing myself

[Chantalle17]

Hi my name is Chantalle and I am 29. In November of last year I was sent for an ultrasound because I was having a hard time getting pregnant
When I went to the doctors to find out why he told me I had a growth on my bladder. I found out I was pregnant in January but did not have an appointment with the urologist until February. He had never done acystoscopy on a pragnant person but felt it was important because if it was cancer he didn’t want to wait 9 months of letting it grow. I had the scope soon after and he was for sure a tumor so the next week he had me in to OR to have it removed. A week later I found out it was for sure cancer. I was still 28 at the time and pragnant with my second child
Even though it was removed I was and still am very scared it will return. I have never smoked a day in my life and ever doctor I have talked to tell me this is not a cancer young people get. I had another scope in July and there was no new growth. So let’s hope my next scope in November is just as good.
Thank you for letting me share my story

[cheryl9]

Hello Chantalle

Sorry you are a member of this site. No one desires this but here we are!

First of all, stop swinging from the rafters with fear. It just isn’t worth it. I know, easy to say but not so easy to do.

Lots of people on this site are long term survivors. BCG is the common treatment for non-invasive and these have an 87% success rate. Recurrence is common but still treatable.

Don’t spend much time researching on Cancer Society sites and other similar sites. They will scare the pants off you. They are very negative sites. This site is way more realistic as to what goes on.

Research does indicate that BC is more common in older people BUT more treatable for younger people. This you definitely have on your side.

Currently, #1 cause of BC is smoking. Next is chemical exposure. Lots isn’t known about BC yet and there are several possible causes that research hasn’t determined if it is actually a cause or not. Genetic inheritance is one of these. In my case, I am #6 in my family to have BC. So far, 3 have passed away by other causes (one from old age) and the remaining 3 of us are at various stages in our journey.

Being your July scope was cancer free is a huge plus especially if you did not have any treatments after your last scope and I assume you haven’t due to the pregnancy. Based on this, you are miles ahead. Your future will involve regular scopes and learn to look forward to these – they confirm you are cancer free.

Worrying is not going to change the outcome and stress is not your friend. Kick the stress in the butt and tell it to get lost. Spend your time enjoying your newborn and your older child. Make sure you get your rest and don’t be shy about asking for help.

Check back to this site often as I anticipate there will be lots of notes of encouragement here. The members are awesome people.

For now, take a deep breath and focus on the moment and enjoy your family. The November scope will be what it is and by the sounds of it, most likely a clear.

Take care

[Jack Moon]

Hi Chantalle

Great news about the July scope and hopefully same results in November. It sounds like you were initially diagnosed with non invasive low grade bladder cancer. This would be indicated on your pathology report if you got a copy. If you did not I recommend you ask for a copy. Some times the Uros will just perform cysto every 3-4 months and check for recurrences. If the tumors do recur on a regular basis some treatments may be the solution.
Stay positive, ensure you get your regular check-ups with the Urologist.
Keep us posted and do not be shy when it comes to questions you may have.
All the best,
Jack

[Rick B]

Hi Chantalle,

Glad you reached out and shared your situation with us. The July “all clear” news is GREAT! Wishing the same great news in November. Being nervous and scared is normal as we’ve all gone through it. You are young and have a lot to look forward…your family will grow by ONE soon? Awesome, you will have to let us know all about it. I was diagnosed June 2012 and had 2 recurrences in my first 12 months…been cancer free since July 2013. I have regular check-ups too.

You are getting great advice from Cheryl and Jack. Especially the advice about Dr, Google…there are so many sites out there that will scare the living daylights out of you. Between your Urologist and BCC most of your questions about Bladder Cancer should be answered. If not, one of the two will know where best to go for the answers.

Stay positive, stay strong and think of nothing but having lots of fun and joy with your family.

Please keep in touch and when you are ready tell us all about your new family member!!!

Rick

[EddieM]

Hi Chantalle,

I was diagnosed when I was 39, not long before my 40th birthday. Long story short it turned out to be a low grade “Ta” stage tumour. I too underwent a removal much like yourself and so far I’ve been recurrence free for just over 2 years now. I wish and hope the same for you! All my best and congrats on the pregnancy!!

Eddie

[millize]

Hi Chantalle

It sounds like you have found this cancer in very early stages.Jack is right, keep up with all your follow-up appointments.
The hardest thing to master is the uncertainty, and letting our emaginations run wild.
REACH FOR FAITH, BELIEVE IN HOPE, KNOW YOU ARE LOVED

[Val]

Hello Chantalle

You are very young to have bladder cancer, so glad you caught it early and your checkups have been good since.

Listen to the sage advice offered here. It was so helpful for me when I was struggling with what to do, who to talk to, what to expect. I’m originally from Northern Ontario myself, but now live in Calgary. Even in the big city there wasn’t many resources for me. This site has been the best thing for me. I got a second opinion because of this group, in part, and 5 years later and cancer-free and still have a healthy bladder.

So don’t miss an appointment, eat healthy, enjoy every moment you are given. When you feel like it, share your story. So few people have heard about bladder cancer that we need to help others get to the doctor asap!

I agree with Cheryl about not looking at everyone on the web about bladder cancer, it can make you terrified & craxy.

Keep us informed of your progress!

[Author]

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