Bladder Cancer Group: Introduce yourself and connect with others

I am new comer here, I suspect I have bladder cancer, about a month ago I started have frequent urination, I ask my pcp referral to a urologist, but earliest I can get is second half of March, now I have more bladder cancer symptoms showing up, extreme fatigue, back pain, I searched online seems like typical symptoms for bladder cancer, What should I do?

@1608hope, waiting is hard. I'm glad that you have an appointment with a specialist to rule out cancer or something else serious going on. The symptoms your describe do not necessarily indicate cancer, but they do require further investigation. Have you had blood in your urine? Is it discolored?

76 yr old female first cancer diagnosis
I’m new to this having been diagnosed with Invasive High grade urothelial carcinoma in January 2025. First Turbt 1/19/25, second Turbt 2/20/25 and scheduled to start BCG treatment 3/20/25. I am very fortunate to have a great team supporting me and am hopeful that BCG will be effective and well tolerated. Looking forward to gaining more insight as time goes on.

My primary care physician prescribed a lower abdominal spiral CT that clearly showed a tumor. You might ask your physician to do the same. In addition, start calling the urology group every day and ask if there has been any cancellations. I was able to save a six week wait by doing that. Good luck to you.

I am right here with you undergoing first cancer diagnosis. I’m a 75 year old woman. Similar to you I am diagnosed with high grade urothelial carcinoma and underwent two TURBT surgeries to remove multiple rather large tumors resulting in positive biopsies showing non-invasive status. I am under the care of an excellent medical team. My Dr recommended BCG treatments in the near future. Right now a catheter for a week while bladder is healing. I’m endeavoring to take this challenging experience one day at a time. I refuse to allow myself to be beaten down or wallow in an “Oh me, oh my” mindset. I hope you are on the path to wellness srez. Please let us know how the BCG goes with you. It is bittersweet yet comforting to know others are going through cancer experiences with success. Keep calm and carry on. Embracing a good attitude is the best medicine I have to pass along.

Thank you @summerlibra. This came as quite a surprise but I agree that a positive outlook is the only way to get a handle on things. I’m sorry we both have to go through this but I’m hopeful that we will be on the path to a full recovery in short order. In the meantime let us know when your BCG treatment starts. All the best.

I am doing alright to a certain extent. I just started BCG treatments and have been experiencing some discomfort. My blood pressure has been elevated since last Friday.

Join the club. In my area there is a 3-4 month wait for any specialist.

Absolutely call a Urologist. Call your your primary to see if they will give a script for a CT scan. All urologists want a CT scan.

I went to the ER when I was urinating red blood. I knew the urologist I wanted so I had the hospital call the doctor's office.
A little trick that might get your appointment sooner. Ask to speak to the PA for the doctor. Almost all doctor offices will have a PA. The PA got me in to see the doctor in 1 week. I did send the PA the CT scan report from the hospital. She said I was an urgent case.

Hang in there and go with the earliest urology appointment you can get. AND make a CT Scan appointment NOW so your urologist can see your bladder on the scan, at your appointment.
I had the same symptoms as yours.
I got a CT Scan a month ago, and the tumor was there .
I am going in this week to have it removed. Be proactive, and schedule appointments. PLEASE DON'T WAIT.

I was diagnosed with bladder cancer in August 2024, had two small cancerous tumors removed. Another issue was the chemotheraphy drug that was placed in my bladder after surgery caused me to have a funny taste in my mouth and 10 days later, quite a bit of my hair fell out. My urologist said it was hereditary but I have my doubts. I also had a Foley catheter in for 4 months. What an experience!
Now I have started BCG treatments and that really took the wind out of my sails, my BP was elevated and extremely tired for 5 days. I have 5 more treatments and wondering if the treatments will be as prevalent as the first treatment. Please advise. Thank you
Barbara