Home Forums All Categories Men and Bladder Cancer Diabetes 2 and Bladder Cancer

  • Diabetes 2 and Bladder Cancer

    Posted by djb2005 on February 26, 2017 at 1:12 pm

    My husband is at the early stage of diagnosis. His life has changed dramatically over the last 3 weeks. He had gross hemautria for a week and a half before his 1st cystocopy, cauterized site, cathered has 2nd cystocopy coming up on 3/17/17. His energy level is very low. His sister said he should be taking an Iron supplement. Does anyone here have Diabetes 2 while on this scary, emotional journey? Should we consider Iron and maybe even B12 suppliments? Ideas and input please.

    djb2005 replied 7 years, 7 months ago 3 Members · 4 Replies
  • 4 Replies
  • djb2005

    Member
    February 27, 2017 at 11:59 pm

    Yes Jack R, it sure has been an emotional journey. We both cry at weird times. Still adjusting. We will ask at our upcoming appt. We’ve started another list of questions for the doc. I’ll encourage my husband to ask questions about ALL his concerns. Thank you.

  • djb2005

    Member
    February 27, 2017 at 11:53 pm

    Thank you jdbark1952 for sharing your knowledge. My sister in law, who is a nurse, visited us this weekend and brought that to our attention. He has an appt. for cath removal and testing bladder volume (he could only hold 25cc 2 weeks ago). I’ll ask about his fatigue and a possible iron supplement.

  • jack-r

    Member
    February 27, 2017 at 7:30 am

    djb,

    re: Iron and B12

    Having learned the hard way, I suggest that any plans to self medicate be run past your treating doctors. Don’t assume that issues such as low energy are the norm and can be fixed with over the counter medications.

    Talk to the urologist about EVER change, about any help you need to feel better. Spill your guts about anything any everything that bothers or nags you (or your husband). A test can show if low iron is a problem; it may be something else – let the doctor earn his/her fees. Check with his primary care provider also.

    TURBTs and bleeds, bladder dis-function and the emotional roller coaster of starting down the cancer path takes a heavy toll on the body and mind. It is not at all surprising that he is low energy at this time. Easy to say, but try to relax and wait for a treatment plan to be offered. It is really tough to be waiting for real news – try to accept that as part of the process. Hang in there, you will get through this.

    Best,
    Jack


    6/2015 HG Papillary & CIS
    3 Years and 30 BCG/BCG+Inf
    Tis CIS comes back.
    BC clear as of 5/17 !
    RCC found in my one & only kidney 10/17
    Begin Chemo; Cisplatin and Gemzar
    8/18 begin Chemo# 3
    Begin year 4 with cis
    2/19 Chemo #4
    9/19 NED again :)
    1/2020 CIS is back
    Tried Keytruda, stopped by side effects
    Workin on a new plan for 2021
  • Jdbark1952

    Member
    February 26, 2017 at 7:07 pm

    Sorry to hear about your husband, glad t o have you here.

    I too have diabetes type 2 and recently started being treated for bladder cancer.

    If he lost enough blood he would have an iron deficiency anemia and iron supplements would be good for that, the B12 supplement would be for treating pernicious anemia and would not be very helpful for iron deficiency,

    Like your husband I have been very tired, can’t do a fraction of what I use to, I started taking iron pills twice daily and have not seen an improvement yet, takes time for the body to make new red blood cells to replace the lost ones..

    I suggest talking to your doctor.

Sign In to reply.