Let me start off by saying I know I don't have it as bad as most others.
I am 41 years old with a wife and three kids, two girls (11 and 9) and a son (3). I was recently diagnosed with urothelial carcinoma in situ with microinvasion. From what my urologist says, this is TIS, stage 0. If I'm right, that means that this is one of the lowest levels of cancer you can get.
That being said, I have had some painful complications since my biopsy on 11/20 and have visited the emergency room 4 times. I have had to live with three different catheters including a triple lumen, 24 gauge catheter (if you don't know, that's a big SOB). I have also experienced an infection which, I'm sure I don't need to tell you, is not a fun experience. I have not urinated without pain in over a month. I have to urinate hourly which interrupts/limits my sleep, which in turn makes me grumpy and short with my family and friends.
I am constantly told "at least it is low level" or "early stage". This is true, but that doesn't mean that everything is okay.
My treatment, BCG, is scheduled to start on Friday 1/2 and I am worried that I might experience problems with that too.
I'm sorry if this post sounds like I'm whining, but I am hoping that someone here can relate. I've tried to talk to friends and family, but their responses tell me that they don't get it.
Am I out of line here? Should I just "man up" and deal with it?
Thanks in advance for any advise and/or comments.
Topic Author
