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Bladder Cancer Group: Introduce yourself and connect with others
Bladder Cancer | Last Active: 1 day ago | Replies (495)Comment receiving replies
Hello everyone. Was diagnosed in December 2025. Had 3 surgeries so far and my BCG treatments will start this Tuesday. To say I'm overwhelmed, frightened and angry are all understatements. Until my diagnosis, I've always considered myself strong, able to face any challenge or adversity. I quickly realized I was wrong. I've never been more afraid of anything in my life. Will I survive to see grandchildren? Will my wife and I be able to enjoy our retirement years, etc. My wife and sons are very loving and supportive, but I don't think they fully understand what I'm going through. I'm hoping this forum will help me accept my current reality. Best regards to all
Replies to "Hello everyone. Was diagnosed in December 2025. Had 3 surgeries so far and my BCG treatments..."
@tomef , it’s scary and hard! I’ve found that the journey is not a straight path since my diagnosis in 2023. There are still days I can’t believe I have what I have and the severity of it. I actually was praying for kidney stones after my very first urologist appointment ruled out a urinary tract infection. I’ve celebrated extreme highs thanks to my awesome doctors, family, and friends and extreme lows when the cancer came back . I do believe that if we had to get stuck with this terrible but treatable disease, we’re kind of lucky to have it now because of all of the new treatment options that didn’t exist in the past for the many variants. This Is a great supportive online forum and I wish you the best in your journey.
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@tomef
Hello,
First let me say, when you were given your diagnosis - of course you felt a wide range of emotion. This is a strange new land you have found yourself in and the terrain is unknown.
It is surely no sign of weakness in any way to admit what you are feeling but rather it is the beginning of acceptance which is important. I have found that denial only lengthens the period of emotional fortification.
To tell you "you are not alone" may seem rather trite but being here in this open and accepting support group amongst those who truly can empathize and understand is - I feel - invaluable. You can gain knowledge and support along the way and you won't feel isolated since even those in your family will not be able to completely understand although from what you say, you are receiving a great deal of emotional support.
It will be almost one year since my bladder cancer was discovered. I turned 80, felt healthy and strong, took no medication of any type and then WHAM! I felt exactly as you do now - probably even more so. I was so overwhelmed by mixed emotions and the fear was tremendous. I realize now how counterproductive this was but... being only human... what else what I to feel?
Little by little you will regain your emotional composure as I have and please, do not think of yourself as weak for you are the same person you had been prior to your diagnosis - just as strong and you will now be able to face this challenge as well. By being too harsh on ourselves, we don't give enough credit to our ability to refortify but it takes time. Slowly - as you navigate the various treatment modalities you will be encouraged and supported along the way.
You are not alone. Members here truly understand and I am grateful for this support group.
Sending my best wishes.
Bobbie