help

[anthonyjb]

Gentlemen I know this is nothing to do with gardening but is there anyone out there that has had bladder cancer as I would like a little advice.
Anthony

[rustylady]

Sorry Anthony, when I first saw your post (just the header which says Gentlemen) I was prepared to get stroppy as I didn't know the full content. Now I've read your post I feel ashamed as I was prepared to go on about women and men being equals in the world of gardening. OK I'm a woman, and I don't know anyone who has had bladder cancer, but have you tried asking your GP or oncologist? My eldest daughter had oral cancer at the age of 27 (unheard of according to the specialists) and she had to have radical surgery, but we found so much support from families that had been similarly affected. If your medical team don't know of any support locally, try searching on the Internet. I wish you the very best.

[MrsC]

me 2 anthony, all the best! have just read your post! don't know what to say apart from the last post made

[Alice]

Anthony, if the bladder cancer relates to yourself the best person to get information from is your own doctor. And if it relates to yourself your GP can put you in touch with self help groups. GP's do know much more about their patients, and care more, than we think they do. (Several members of my family are GP's and I've seen how much they care).
If you just want to talk then the Grapes are here for you. Every best wish. Alice.

[Earthbabe]

Has the person concerned been referred to/seen a urologist? Urologists specialise in kidneys, bladders and "men's bits". The cancer support sites are excellent for info that is easy to read as although our Urology consultants in Southampton are very good and communicate well I know this is not always the case.

As Alice says though if you just want/need to talk we are all here for you. Hope all goes well and keep us informed.

[Paulottie]

Antony, The first thing is to try not to worry -there are many infections of the urinary system if you have not yet been diagnosed; and the prognosis is good if you have. A great friend of ours survived it, only to then kill himself on a tractor.(a strange life is this) So I can't now ask him. You need a doctor and they will put you in touch with the support groups in your area. Stay positive and i wish you well.

I take my son to Southampton to the 'Nephrologist' they are excellent there.

[zebedee]

Remain positive. You WILL not be beaten.

[anthonyjb]

Thanks everyone for your replys and kindness.I have just had my 4th dose of chemo out of 6 and just really wondered if there was anybody that could answer a few questions.
Anthony

[Earthbabe]

What sort of questions have you got anthonyjb? I work on a urology ward so I may be able to help or at least give you some idea of where you could look.

How is the chemo going?

[anthonyjb]

Earthbabe
Thanks for replying.I accept the discomfort whilst having chemo direct to the bladder via a catheter but I get a lot of pain for the rest of the week until the next dose is due so is this to be expected.
Anthony

[Earthbabe]

I would expect discomfort during the chemo and possibly for 24-48 hours after. I would have thought it unusual to get a lot of pain for the rest of the week. You have to remember that the chemo is coating the whole bladder and therefore can be irritant to "good" cells. When we give Mitomycin - one form of chemo we have to use two sets of gloves and aprons and wear goggles to put it in and then take it out because it is a DNA disruptor. Are you managing to pass water ok during the week? If you are having a six weekly course of treatments it is worth mentioning it to the person doing the treatment who should be able to advise and take appropriate action.

Best of luck

[TonyF]

Anthony, I also have cancer (rare form of leukaemia) and have chemo 5 days a week - there are many good patient sites on the internet - look for the US ACOR lists, different medical regimes but excellent, I've belonged to one for years.

If you have bladder cancer and it's being treated in hospital you really should be directing the questions at an oncologist or contact your local McMillan Nurse, he/she will be able to give you much better advice.

Alternatively, next time you go to the clinic, ask people there about their experience, I learned as much from other patients as I ever did from doctors.