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The Newbie Lurks, The Newbie Speaks
Hello to all at ABLCS…..
Ambition finally has me coming out of “lurk mode” here. I actually became a member of the “BC Club” back in March 2011. Naturally frightened and confused with the diagnosis, the anxiety bandwagon approach had me jumping everywhere loking for answers. Which led to more anxiety and confusion. Luckily in that process, I bumped across this forum. Here I saw common sense, intelligent conversation, and good advice. The first being to “slow down”, and to concentrate/focus on your own particular problem. Cancer is a frightening word, and that advice helped me focus on Bladder Cancer, and my own specific situation. I registered with the group, but never participated. But as time went on I did come back to find more answers, discussion, and advice. Now ready to join in with an 8 month chain of events behind me, I see there are places to post such a story. I am by no means an expert of “been there – done that”. Maybe the experiences would help someone else. And give insight to the others with more wisdom to see where I have been, allowing better comments and advice. Oh yes, I already have questions to inject along the way. And will anticipate questions for things I may not yet fully understand.
Basically, I have had 3 surgeries to date, finding non-invasive tumors. I’d like to present each of the 3 individually, leading up to my current BCG treatments. There’s a long journey ahead yet.
When I walked out of that hospital after the first go-round, I was a survivor. It would be nice to keep it that way for a while yet. Please look for my upcoming contributions.
Hope I don’t bore anyone. Thanks. -
10 Replies
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I don’t believe that the “reply” in order is considered a feature of the system so I doubt there would be a “fix”.
It wasn’t intended to work that way. You can basically reply to the thread and there is a single thread within a topic.
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.
Anita – Doug’s wife. Doug is in the picture. Anita is the caregiver; Doug is the patient.
Anita
Forum Moderator
Caregiver
Hi Newbie Mike. You use words and procedures I’m not familiar with, but thats the good part, being able to share and discuss so many different things in the BC Club. Helps those with a need to know. I’ve already been assigned a mission (ha ha), to lure more lurkers into the conversation. Let’s give it a shot. Thanks for stopping by.p.s. I’m off for BCG #3 tomorrow. A 5 minute piece of cake. Gurgle gurgle.
Hi Anita (or is it Doug photo?). Gosh, I feel naked already, without a picture or a name other than RB. But I did neglect an important clue in joining the BC Club, as a male, age 65. Guess I better start working on Episode #1. Thanks.
Hello, rbmc – I’m also a newbie – did my first post yesterday. It’s great to see people coming in. I was recently diagnosed, had my TUR (along with a HoLAP and bladder stone blasting), and now face BCG and who knows where from threre. I really look forward to my time on this forum – thank God for humankind developing the technology for us to communicate like this – and, of course, for the medical procedures to help us overcome.
Cheers – Mike
TURBT, HoLAP, bladder stone ablation 9/28/11
Ta, Mx, Nx
Hi GKLINE……obvious now, my reply does not appear directly under each comment. Maybe they can fix that? Mission accepted. Success? Well, not guaranteed. Can’t deny being a BC Club member. As perhaps are others like me, lurking. Nothing embarassing about it. A damn frightful thing to find out, but also a need to work on a battle plan that works for you. I’ll try my best to share. Thank you.
Hi Catherine. Now to get the hang of replies. I don’t know if they appear in order yet under each one, but will soon find out! You’re right right, lurking is beneficial here. And modesty was not an issue. After a brief explanation that there is only one way to get up into the bladder, let’s go for it. You guys got work to do, and it’s incredible that they can get so much equipment up there today. And being asleep for the first two, never knew a thing. The waters seem rough, but here there are discussions on specific issues, helpful to those in need. Thanks for the welcome.
Welcome, RBMC. I’m sure many will learn from your posts as you have learned from those who have posted before you. Thank you for being willing to share your story.
Anita
Anita
Forum Moderator
Caregiver
Welcome.
Posting that first thought is like walking out into the sunlight. You have done it! And we are sooooo Glad!
Since there are many other lurkers out there just like you, with stories to tell, we have a mission for you.
Please tell us your thoughts and your story so that other can do the same. We don’t bite (much) and EVERYONE is welcome. Freedom of speech, and freedom of question, is A OK. Everyone has a reason to be here. Everyone has questions or a thought. We want to hear them!
Your first post is a Great step toward many other posts. We thank you for stepping up and giving us a chance to hear your story.
You are indeed a Survivor. Welcome
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]
Welcome to the boards! All contributions are valued here. I look forward to hearing more from you and am glad you are ready to join in the conversation. One does learn a lot being a lurker and that’s OK too.
No BC questions are out of bounds or too embarrassing. Most of the time one loses most of one’s modesty after the first cysto!
I also went through 8 months after diagnosis and surgery before I stumbled upon ABLCS. It was daunting trying to navigate these waters by myself during that very dark time and now I don’t have to thanks to all the wonderfully supportive folks here!
Again… glad you’re here!
Catherine
Best wishes… CatherineTURBT 1/21/10 at age 55
Dx: T2aN0M0 Primary Bladder Adenocarcinoma
Partial Cystectomy 2/25/10
Vanderbilt Medical Center
Nashville, TNSign In to reply.
