Just Diaganozed

Hi,

I was very glad to read you are going to UPenn because it is such a good place, and then was glad to read it was because of something I wrote that you chose it!

I see you are agonizing about your diagnosis, but please...try not to expect the worst. You might be surprised, I surely hope so. Most of the time the tumor needs to be removed, not the bladder. Of course your life is forever changed after bladder cancer (or any cancer diagnosis). But it is amazing how we learn to live with things that would have been unthinkable.

This is the most horrible time for anyone...knowing there is something going on but not knowing exactly what. But time flies, it really does, and before you know it you'll have a diagnosis and treatment plan, something to focus on and get through, and then come out on the other side.

I promise it gets better. If the anxiety is killing you, consider asking your doctor for some anti-anxiety meds to get you through this period. You wouldn't be the first person who needed a bit of pharmaceutical assistance! A cancer diagnosis is probably the most stressful thing a person will ever hear.

Take care, and I wish you much luck with the upcoming biopsy. Let us know what the pathology report says.

Wendy

Dear Fearandfight,

You've got it all right, and yes, the waiting is the hard part.  Will you be staying overnight in the hospital?
Keep that focus.  

You are a little (or a lot) in shock right now.  I believe that you will feel better after the biopsy results and you know what you are facing.

I have been through it, (as many, many here have been) and have come out on the other side.  

Good luck on Friday,
Rosemary

I was just diagnozed this past Monday 1/8/07 with a 2 inch or so tumor on my bladder. I had no symptoms until like 10 days before the holidays as I noticed blood in my urine. My wife is an LPN and at first I did not say anything to her because I just had my left hip replaced the end of September and my wife was such a huge help I did not want to worry her. But after the third time ( which was about 7- 10 days I had no choice ) I told her cause I knew this was not a good sign for me I'm male and 52 years old. Sad part is I had all this pre op stuff done for the hip replacement and was doing great with that then bam this happens. After I saw this urologist I decided this is my life so I am scheduled for this Friday to go to the Univ. of Pa Hospital in Phila because it is an excellent hospital and I did not want to go to the one this urologist wanted for the biospy. At this point I am on a living on a wing and a prayer cause I have not a clue what stage I am in. The only hope I have is in between the hip replacement and I was just released fron the Orthopedic Dr. on Dec 11, 06 that I have caught this in and I am praying in somewhat of a early time factor. All kinds of things are running thru my mind but I am trying to stay focus on after the biopsy to do whatever it is to recover from this and also that the tumor is just on my bladder and has not spread anywhere yet. This week I have got alot of information on this disease that being if it is superficial, invassive, am I getting part of my bladder removed or the worst have all of my bladder removed etc. etc. But no matter what I will do whatever it is to survive this bladder cancer so I can stay on this planet for awhile longer. I know all know the waitig is the worst part and I am doing my very best to stay sane and not drive myself nuts. I have been thru a bifemoral operation for a blocked artery in my right leg, survived a carbon monoxide accident in 2003 that darn neared killed me and as I just mentioned the left hip replacement. But this is by far the worst thing I have ever faced in my life and I am trying to deal with it to the best of my ability and praying for the best after being hit with this bomb. Well God Bless you all and thanks to anyone that has read this. You are all in my prayers also. Fearandfight

Wanted to add I saw a post from Wendy why I am goig to the Univ. of Penna. Hospital I am seeing a different Urologist Dr.Wein Urologist/Oncologist ( not just Urologist )he is top in this field in my area and I am nervous and scared as heck but I know I have chosen a great Hospital and will get the best of care versus the urologist I saw and the Hospital he wanted to set up the biopsy at. I have no clue what my outcome will be but I feel much much better that I have made this choice and anxiety coming out my ears I just want the best possible treatmemt I can get.