Bladder Cancer Group: Introduce yourself and connect with others

So sorry to hear you have bladder cancer @babz0518. My husband was diagnosed with a highly aggressive UCC in 2019. He also had a reaction to the post operative chemo infusion into his bladder. He was on BCG for the full cycle and into maintenance when he had another tumor so different treatments followed. His initial BCG infusions gave him more side effects and those lessened as he went along. Everyone is different in the way their immune system reacts to BCG though. Listen to your body and rest. Your immune system is responding to the BCG and actively working to control any new tumors in your bladder. Good luck with this treatment.

Thank you 😊

Have 2.5 cm tumor in bladder close to tube from kidney.
Will have it removed on March 7thi hope the pathology report comes back ok.

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

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.