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June 15, 2016 at 10:46 pm #8394Steve BellusParticipant
Hi my name is Steve. I’m a 53 year old male who is relatively healthy. I’m an avid cyclist and have completed the Ride to Conquer Cancer for 5 years. This year would have been my 6th year. About 2 weeks ago I noticed blood in my urine. I was so alarmed I immediately went to a local emerg. After a ultrasound revealed a spot on my ladder an emergency cyctoscopy 3 days later revealed tumors growing in the bladder (approximately 2cm). As a result I missed this years ride. Yesterday I had another cystoscopy to remove these tumors. I will be leaving the hospital tomorrow as I anticipate the pathology report in a couple of weeks. Understandably my family and I are scared. Any information that can be suggested would be greatly appreciated. Also please feel free to ask me any questions.
Steve
June 16, 2016 at 12:37 am #20667SJayParticipantHi Steve
Sorry to hear you have joined our club. This forum is a great place to get information. Browse and search for things you are curious about. There is also a lot of info in the Facing Bladder Cancer section of this website. A lot depends on how much you want to know. I liked to get copies of pathology reports, post op reports and blood tests. My wife not so much. I recommend bringing along a family member to doctor visits to help you remember what needs to get done and to ask questions that you might not think to ask.
Like everyone else on the forum, I’m not a doctor and what I know is from my own experience with bladder cancer. My understanding is that most bladder cancers are non-muscle invasive. After finding them with a cystoscopy they are removed with a surgical procedure know as a TURB (Trans-Urethral Resection of the Bladder). The pathology report after the operation will let you know where the tumor has penetrated and how aggressive the tumor is. If it is non-muscle invasive, it is usually treated with a series of BCG treatments. BCG is a weak live tuberculosis vaccine that is put into your bladder to promote an immune response by your body. Unfortunately the rate of recurrence is high.
Everyone has their own journey, though. There are lots of reasons to be optimistic. Being young and healthy gives you a good edge.
All the best.
June 16, 2016 at 12:53 am #20668Jack MoonKeymasterHi Steve
Sorry you have been diagnosed with bladder cancer. SJay has given you some very good advice. A treatment plan can not be determined until the stage and grade of your tumors in known. It is extremely important you get a copy of your pathology report. Get your Uro to go through it with you in detail. When caught early bladder cancer can be treated with no change in your lifestyle. Stay positive and keep us posted as to the results of your pathology.
All the best,
JackJune 16, 2016 at 12:57 am #20669Steve BellusParticipantThanks for the quick reply gentlemen. I will keep you posted once I receive the pathology report.
June 16, 2016 at 10:22 am #20670bluebillParticipantHi Steve,
Welcome to the club. I saw blood in my urine when I was 64 years old (2 1/2 years ago). I was also an avid cyclist and was in fairly good shape. It’s not easy to stay positive but it’s the best thing you can do for now. I had a TURBT and was diagnosed with T1HG bladder cancer. For the next year that was all that was on my mind. I am still receiving treatments of BCG and have cystoscopes every 3 months. I still think about Bladder cancer but I’m cycling and right now I have been away traveling for the past 2 months.
So life is good after getting a diagnosis of BC hang in there. Once you receive the pathology report you will have a better view of what will be coming up.
This group have some great advice and have helped me out a lot.All the best
Bluebill
T1HGJune 16, 2016 at 10:59 am #20671Steve BellusParticipantThanks bluebill
That makes me feel good. Waiting is the worst part. I hate sitting idle. But have no choice at this time. Thanks again for reaching out. Enjoy your travels.
Steve
June 16, 2016 at 3:18 pm #20673GordParticipantJust a quick note to say that you have found a great resource early in your journey. Whatever the outcome of the pathology from your TURBT, you will find the people on this site and BCC to be a great help, source of information, and encouragement. I know they were for me when I was diagnosed with Stage 2 BC in 2012 at age 52, having had none of the usual risk factors. I am 3 years cancer free this week after having a radical cystectomy with a neobladder in June 2013.. Very happy with my outcome. Just wanted to let you know, because I remember when I was at your point in my journey I was looking for good news stories, and now I am one! Hang in there, Steve. Hoping for the best news for you.
GordJune 16, 2016 at 3:47 pm #20674Steve BellusParticipantGord
thanks for reaching out and continued success in your journey.I feel like you are right and this first step, reaching out to this group, was the best first step for me. Thankyou for sharing your story of hope and optimism.
And I will happily take any advice the group can dish out.
Steve
June 16, 2016 at 4:05 pm #20676marysueParticipantHi Steve:
I can’t really add much to what has already been said but do add my welcome to Bladder Cancer Canada. When I was diagnosed in 2008, this organization wasn’t up and running yet so it was a godsend when I discovered it in 2010.
I was fortunate in my case, it was caught really early, so major surgery wasn’t necessary, just follow up BCG (bladder drug treatments) ,and regular checkups. I’m going on 7 years cancer free and am down to annual checkups. IT CAN BE DONE!!
I hope and pray for a favourable outcome on the pathology report. I too, have been there with the wait for results and it is the most stressful part of the whole journey. Try to hang in there. We’re for you. Stay in touch and let us know how it goes. All the best. (((((HUGS))))
June 16, 2016 at 6:48 pm #20677DDepParticipantHi Steve,
I am sorry to hear about your possibility of having Bladder Cancer (BC). You will not know for sure what you have until you get the Pathology Report and discuss it with your Urologist.
I am 59 years old, never-smoker, relatively active. I was diagnosed with BC in August 2015 (although I had my TURBT 25 July 2015). I had a large, single 3 X 4.5 cm TaLG tumor removed. I am currently being treated with BCG immunotherapy (mentioned earlier).
I found the most difficult emotional time to be the interval between the TURBT and getting the Pathology report. It was very stressful. All of us affected went though this difficult period of time. Tumor size etc. will not tell you much at this time.
The unknown can be very difficult to deal with.
I could not sleep well at night.
I lost weight.
I went to my family Doctor and he gave me some pills to help me cope.
After the Pathology report I felt better because I knew what I had.
If you find yourself feeling as I did, please discuss it with your family and seek out help from your family Doctor.As many have already said – the post TURBT (Trans Urethelial Resection for Bladder Tumor) Pathology Report is the key.
1) Make sure you get a copy of that Pathology Report.
2) Have someone accompany you when discussing your Pathology Report with your Urologist
3) Prepare questions in advance.
4) Try to avoid being preoccupied with getting answers from the internet. It adds to negative stress and confulsion.Finally, some positive kernels, if it is Bladder Cancer (BC)
Approximately 70% of patients diagnosed with BC is a Non-Muscle Invasive stage (i.e. NMIBC, Stage Ta or T1). The usual initial treatment is with either chemotherapy or more often now, immunotherapy (BCG – mentioned earlier).
Of those 70% of patients, 70% are usually diagnosed with stage Ta – which means its only on the very surface layer of your bladder.
i) If you smoke – STOP smoking
ii) Take Vitamins A, E, D, and Lactobacillus Casei daily.
(Ref. http://blcwebcafe.org/content/view/103/113/lang,english/ – see “Guidelines” at the end of the article, 4th and 5th bullets from the bottom.)Finally, the shock of hearing that 6 letter word “Cancer” with all its negative baggage is – difficult enough. But know this –
Many of us are living lives very well and full. BC need not be debilitating and can even be cured.Life is worth living.
God Bless
DDep
June 17, 2016 at 3:49 pm #20680cheryl9ParticipantHello Steve
I was 52 when diagnosed also. Took over a year for the medical system to figure out that the blood in the urine might be more than an infection.
Anyway, I can relate directly to what you are going through. When I was diagnosed it was during the busiest time of the year for my business. Talk about stress!
Do not spend time researching other sites for info. They will scare the pants off you. This site is way more realistic.
I learnt the following real fast and pass this on to you: stress doesn’t change the outcome. As a result: take a deep breath or two or three or four or however many it takes; hug those you love; cry; spend time with those you are close to; cry some more; talk and talk some more; cry again if needed; find something to laugh about and then you will start to heal.
Also stop swinging from the rafters. The only thing this does is use up a lot of time and energy and leave you with bumps and bruises on yourself and those you are close to. Some of those bumps and bruises will take a very long time to heal. Having your feet planted firmly on the ground is way less taxing to you and those that you are close to.
It is now two years later for me and after three surgeries, eight main tumors and numerous superficial tumors, advancement of cancer from low grade to high grade, I have been cancer free for almost a year. Looking forward to my next scope on Monday to find out what the next chapter in this journey will be. If it is another “all clear” I am going to start wearing my survivor pin. If it is not an “all clear”, I will be glad the cancer is caught now and then it will be time to end the little bugger’s free reign party in my bladder and put me back in the driver’s seat.
Yes, the unknown is way worse than the known and it is all thanks (or no thanks) to that wonderful element of human nature: imagination.
Take care
Cheryl -
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