Bladder Cancer Group: Introduce yourself and connect with others

Welcome to the Bladder Cancer support group on Mayo Clinic Connect.

This is a welcoming, safe place where you can meet people living with bladder cancer or caring for someone with bladder cancer. Let’s learn from each other and share stories about living well with cancer, coping with the challenges and offering tips.

Feel free to browse the topics, use the group search to find answers to your questions or start a new discussion.

Pull up a chair. Let’s start with introductions.

What type of bladder cancer were you diagnosed with? What treatments have you had? How are you doing?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Bladder Cancer Support Group.

2nd Turbt done this past week. No invasion to bladder muscle so good news.
Surgery recovery and bladder infection slowing my activity. Awaiting next step with urologist. Thanks for all the comments.

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@johnnymc

Muscle invasive...have upcoming appointments with surgeon and radiologist

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@johnnymc, how did your appointments go with the surgeon and radiologist? What is the treatment plan for you?

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First TURBT done 6/7/24. Scheduling is calling me to have the BCG start soon, but I'm wondering if a urologist should do this procedure or an oncologist.? I am definitely overwhelmed with the news of cancer which no one in my family has ever had. Do patients usually get a 2nd opinion on this type of cancer? I understand it's fast growing and the need to get the treatments started but I want to make sure I'm making the right choices. Anyone???

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@dldinsd

First TURBT done 6/7/24. Scheduling is calling me to have the BCG start soon, but I'm wondering if a urologist should do this procedure or an oncologist.? I am definitely overwhelmed with the news of cancer which no one in my family has ever had. Do patients usually get a 2nd opinion on this type of cancer? I understand it's fast growing and the need to get the treatments started but I want to make sure I'm making the right choices. Anyone???

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I completely understand being overwhelmed with the news. No one in my family has ever had bladder cancer either.
I did not seek a second opinion, first because I just went with what was suggested because I was scared and second because from everything I read my urologist was offering the recommended treatment.
I've had 2 TURBT procedures and today I will have my 5th BCG treatment at my urologists office. I cannot say enough good things about the care I've received and I trust I am in good hands.
Ask questions, like I didn't LOL. Will you have a 2nd TURBT before BCG?

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@shester

I completely understand being overwhelmed with the news. No one in my family has ever had bladder cancer either.
I did not seek a second opinion, first because I just went with what was suggested because I was scared and second because from everything I read my urologist was offering the recommended treatment.
I've had 2 TURBT procedures and today I will have my 5th BCG treatment at my urologists office. I cannot say enough good things about the care I've received and I trust I am in good hands.
Ask questions, like I didn't LOL. Will you have a 2nd TURBT before BCG?

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I've had my 2nd TURBT. HGT1. Will be discussing BCG treatment. Can you tell us about your BCG treatments...like what side effects to expect.

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@dldinsd

First TURBT done 6/7/24. Scheduling is calling me to have the BCG start soon, but I'm wondering if a urologist should do this procedure or an oncologist.? I am definitely overwhelmed with the news of cancer which no one in my family has ever had. Do patients usually get a 2nd opinion on this type of cancer? I understand it's fast growing and the need to get the treatments started but I want to make sure I'm making the right choices. Anyone???

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2nd opinions are good. My diagnosis changed from low grade non-invasive to HGT1 with the 2nd opinion.

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@swh

I've had my 2nd TURBT. HGT1. Will be discussing BCG treatment. Can you tell us about your BCG treatments...like what side effects to expect.

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I am also HGT1 - I don't want to jinx myself but my BCG treatments have been very tolerable.
I was tired the day after my first one but think it was more due to the stress I had leading up to the procedure.
I did not have any physical side effects until my treatment last week. There was stinging as they were prepping the area for instillation but we think it just might be my urethra getting irritated from weekly catheter insertion.
I was so nervous about starting treatments but feel very lucky that side effects have been so few. Two more to go!

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@swh

2nd opinions are good. My diagnosis changed from low grade non-invasive to HGT1 with the 2nd opinion.

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You are right, it is a good idea!

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@swh

2nd opinions are good. My diagnosis changed from low grade non-invasive to HGT1 with the 2nd opinion.

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@swh - thanks so much for your input.

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@shester

I am also HGT1 - I don't want to jinx myself but my BCG treatments have been very tolerable.
I was tired the day after my first one but think it was more due to the stress I had leading up to the procedure.
I did not have any physical side effects until my treatment last week. There was stinging as they were prepping the area for instillation but we think it just might be my urethra getting irritated from weekly catheter insertion.
I was so nervous about starting treatments but feel very lucky that side effects have been so few. Two more to go!

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Thanks so much. That's encouraging. I have a month to heal & then start 6 weekly intravesical treatments.

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