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Anita’s Story
Doug was diagnosed in May 2001 with non-invasive bladder cancer. I didn’t go with him to his first appointment with the urologist…we just thought he had kidney stones? Doug is no fan of the “peek and poke” so his doctor gives him something to help him relax and I drive him to the appointments….and so, I am there if the doctor sees something and I get called back. I think I get more anxious prior to and the day of the exam than Doug does. When Doug walks out the door, I can start breathing again! I cringe when they call me back because I know “it’s back”. Thank God “it’s” been gone for 2 years now.
This forum and the chat has been a God send to me. I am thankful to be able to talk to bladder cancer survivors and to have HOPE!! Nowhere else are there people who understand, can listen, and offer advice through the blc journey. Hope and love are the things that helps me through.
Anita
Anita
Forum Moderator
Caregiver8 Replies-
Hear Hear George!
Age 54
10/31/06 dx CIS (TisG3) non-invasive (at 47)
9/19/08 TURB/TUIP dx Invasive T2G3
10/8/08 RC neobladder(at 49)
2/15/13 T4G3N3M1 distant metastases(at 53)
9/2013 finished chemo -cancer free again
1/2014 ct scan results….distant mets
2/2014 ct result…spread to liver, kidneys, and lymph system
My opinions are my own and do not reflect the opinion of ABLCS or anyone else. I am not a doctor nor do I play one on TV.
Hear, Hear!
Age 55
Diagnosed BC 12/20/2011 Ta No Mo 0a Non-Invasive At age 48
“Please don’t cry because it is over….. Smile because it happened!” {Dr. Seuss} :)
Funny thing about that notebook….. Audrey made one up after the 1st visit to the urologist. She knew we lost our minds when the Dr. used the word cancer.
Her notebook has had few entries since the surgery. just a note every 3 months that says….. “All Clear. No sign of cancer” :)I have said it here many times; My caregiver suffered even more than I (the patient) did. We all owe a debt of gratitude to the person who was there for us. As My wife said; “Ten thousand times I had to answer the question “How is George?” But only one person asked; “How are You?”
Here’s to our “Co Patient” We BOTH beat this thing!
George
Light a man a fire and he is warm for an evening.
Light a man ON fire and he’s warm forever.08/08/08…RC neo bladder
09/09/09…New Hip
=
New Man! [/size]
A notebook/journal is a great idea to capture things as we go. I went out and bought one today. Great idea!
PC 7/2/12
T3a/N2/M0
The note book idea is very good.
Don’t depend on the doctors to keep your records. You have to do this yourself. Remember to include any unusual
things that happen along the way. They may not seem important now, but could be very important later on.P.S. Good thing Doug is screening your posts, it gained him a whole year of freedom you tried to cheat him out of. :laugh:
Mark
Age 55
Diagnosed BC 12/20/2011 Ta No Mo 0a Non-Invasive At age 48
“Please don’t cry because it is over….. Smile because it happened!” {Dr. Seuss} :)
Correction….Doug has been cancer free for 3 years. He also wanted me to add that I have a notebook that I use solely to write any notes related to his surgeries, treatments, and appointments. I even have a picture of Doug and his doctor in there. :)
Anita
Forum Moderator
Caregiver
Thanks so much for your perspective, Anita. Bladder cancer affects so many more people than the person who gets the diagnosis. It is definitely a family affair.
I am very thankful for the support of my family and friends who anxiously await that phone call on my way out of the hospital after my checkups.
Best wishes… CatherineTURBT 1/21/10 at age 55
Dx: T2aN0M0 Primary Bladder Adenocarcinoma
Partial Cystectomy 2/25/10
Vanderbilt Medical Center
Nashville, TN
There ya go making us cry again. We love you too. :blush:
Doug you are one lucky dog. ;)
MARK
Age 55
Diagnosed BC 12/20/2011 Ta No Mo 0a Non-Invasive At age 48
“Please don’t cry because it is over….. Smile because it happened!” {Dr. Seuss} :)Sign In to reply.
