Just Diagnosed

Hello Margellen... You are exactly where I was last year when a small mass was found in my bladder by my gynecologist on Jan 4th. Total and complete shock and disbelief. I had never ever even had a UTI. It's like they are talking about someone else and you can't bear to even think the word "cancer". It is devastating news to hear.

I finally calmed myself down by thinking that it did no good to panic or stress out until I knew what I was dealing with, and had a plan and a good medical team. My local uro had little experience with my type of tumor, so I had to wait two weeks for my "expert" consult with my surgeon he referred me to at Vanderbilt. The waiting is hard not knowing what you may be facing. Much easier said than done, I know.

It is wonderful that you found this site at this point. I would have been a lot less scared if I had had these guys for support in the beginning. As Jim pointed out, BC isn't the end of the world and is very treatable with many options to tailor to your particular situation.

I will keep you in my thoughts as you work through these very scary first few weeks.

Hi Mar!! You have a lot of friends right here to hold your hand. You are very fortunate to be able to go right away to one of the best in the country...This is SO important.

Right now...with the "shakes"....just try to roll with the punches. I remember coming home from my diagnosis and very coldy and calmy (ha ha) thinking "Now I know what I will die from."
Well, that wasn't quite the case, and with the help of this group I have had lots of BCG treatments and am doing great. After a few weeks pass, you will be better able to think about this without the shakes!!

Good luck to you and you are started on the right path.

Sara Anne