Hi Sarah,
I am lucky as Claire, I have a private medical insurance through my husband's job.
I am a 46 year old French female living in UK. Since we moved to UK 10 years ago, I have always said if there is any severe health problem within my family (I have 3 children 11, 14 and 16) I want to move back to France. My trust in the English health system was very limited and in fact I was wrong.
I was diagnosed by my gynaecologist mid Nov 2006 during a routine examination for a potential hysterectomy for huge fibroids. The following week I have met my urologist and undergone my first TURB. The diagnosis was T1 grade 2. I was totally devastated (I work in oncology for an international pharmaceutical company). For a month I was deeper and deeper: statistically it was so unfair, I am a woman under 60 and non-smoker! I have started an anti-depressant therapy just after my second TURB mid Dec 2006. Due to the result of the TURB (no recurrence) and the treatment, I have spent a quite good Xmas. I was much more positive.
During January and February, I have had 6 BCG cycles. I was able to go back to work and to go skiing after the 4th one. My only side effect was an extreme fatigue.
At the end of Feb, I have underwent a total hysterectomy (they have removed 2 pounds of fibroids and found an endometriosis as well!). I am recovering very well and I am under oral HRT (no side effecs apart nausea while having breakfast).
Last week I have had my first cystoscopy still with the same urologist (he knows me very well now and it is very supportive). I am still waiting for the biopsy results there was nothing macroscopically. I am re-starting BCG maintenance next week (3 weekly cycles) while I am still in sickness leave.
People never write about how they cope with their work. I am planning to come back to work as soon as possible it is part of my recovery.
I have met very nice, professional, good listener and cheerful people (specialist and nurses). I am not feeling like a "piece of meat".
I have started to go to the Forum when I was diagnosed however I was not able to participate I was too bad and did not want to share my emotional state with others even my parents.
When I read your comments or Sarah's I am feeling so close to you. I am experiencing exactly the same emotions regarding my children.
I definitely feel less lonely, thank you.
Best regards, Chantal
PS: The good thing of this story is the fact I have lost nearly 2 stones (12 kg) and nearly 2 sizes (14 to 10), it is nearly Spring time
and the shops are full of nice clothes!