← Return to Emotional health after cancer: How are you doing really?

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@wlhickey

Thank you for your honesty! I was diagnosed with bladder cancer today. I'm a mix of emotions!!!! I hands a million questions and none at the same time. Dr is saying need tumor removed asap, but do I get another opinion? Do I just go with the flow? I don't know what I feel!

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Replies to "Thank you for your honesty! I was diagnosed with bladder cancer today. I'm a mix of..."

I'm with you. I was recently diagnosed with bladder cancer through a round-about series of events. No blood in urine, an abdominal CT showing bladder thickening and a follow-up cystoscopy showed a tumor. A TURBT with chemo or BCG has been scheduled. Very matter of fact from the doc, no discussion on how I felt. I did get a 2nd opinion, always do so with oncology cases. Good days and bad. I've read how these type of tumors commonly recur. I wonder if I'll be taking treatments the rest of my life and how everything will affect everyday life. Stay strong.

I had a similar diagnosis in 2022-papillary tumor with micropapillary features. TURBT to surgery was less than 6 weeks. It’s scary- I’m the type that just pilots my head down and bulldozes tgrough things like this. I’m a year and a half post-radical cystectomy and I still struggle emotionally- I have days like today where it takes everything I have to not fall apart, and then I have weeks of forgetting the whole episode ever happened. I guess what I’m trying to say is that I felt all those feelings-and still do- so I think it is pretty normal.

Without knowing your exact diagnosis, it’s hard to know what to recommend regarding surgery. I had a neater and am doing pretty well with it- back to riding my horse and doing lots of physical activities. There is life after this- it’s just a different one. ❤️

I understand it’s scary. Hang in there and lean on your family

@wlhickey, so many emotions! I know you have loads of questions. While surgery asap is being recommended, you have time for questions and, if necessary, a second opinion. Questions I would ask include:
- What type of cancer do I have?
- What grade?
- What are the treatment options?
- What is the effectiveness and the risks of each option?
- Where should I get a second opinion?

You can see more questions at the bottom of this webpage from Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bladder-cancer/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20356109

How are you feeling today? If you know the type of bladder cancer you have, let me know. I can connect you with others like you.

I'm a control freak and don't want to be told what to do but I finally gave in to the experts. They do this every day and they are usually caring individuals. When I gave in to them, I was less stressed and in a better frame of mind. Waiting results after 6 months and 35 radiation in mouth. It gets betterslowly. Prayers and success for you.