Constant weight loss
Hello everyone.
A pelvic ultrasound scan found a tumour in my bladder and was queued T1 bladder cancer after I complained of hematuria for 3 months. A CT scan confirmed this. There were no abnormalities in my organs except for the discovery that I have intramural uterine fibroid. All these tests among others took my entire savings.
I went in for turbt at the huge expense of my dear family 2 months after. A biopsy revealed it was low grade urothelial bladder cancer. I really wanted it to be benign.
My check up will be next month. I don't know how I would pay for that with my meagre earnings. I can't even take care of myself properly.
My main issue is the constant weight loss I have been experiencing even before I went for the surgery. I feel slight/dull pain at mostly my left lower back close to my tail bone that comes and goes. I eat well enough like I used to before this situation was thrown at me. My urine is clear(no gross hematuria).
Honestly, I don't know what I did to deserve this. I don't smoke, don't take alcohol, no chemical exposure. I am not even over weight. What happened? I keep thinking maybe it's the mosquito coil we used to use even while in the room which we have stopped using.
I am not happy. I need advice.
@Abii - I am going to assume that this post is related to the prior one. Let me start off by saying that I am sorry to hear that you have a cancer diagnosis and that none of us deserved it. I had no risk factors either but that did not spare me. You may or may not be able to find the reason that you developed this disease. Is there a way for you do obtain health insurance? Obamacare, Medicare or Medicaid? Any illness or disease can be costly without insurance coverage and I am getting the impression that cost is what is concerning you the most. I do not know if you are in the US but if so there are options to look into. I do not have medical experience and am not a medical professional but I suggest that you write down any physical symptoms and concerns you have and speak with your doctor about them. He or she hopefully can look into your weight loss and back pain, I would also ask if they can assist with any options for lower costs and insurance etc. I wish you the best Please let us know what you find out. Linda ( moderator Bladdercancer.net team member)
Thanks for your reply.
Insurance is impossible because my earnings are meagre. I am currently saving for my next check up which leaves me next to nothing for savings and expenses.
I do not live in the US.@Abil - I am sorry to hear that. I do now know where you live but are there other options for you to receive any type of assistance? I wish i had some other suggestions that would help you. Sending you a virtual hug and wishing the best for you. Linda ( moderator, Bladdercancer.com team member)
I'm so sorry to hear what you are going through, especially without insurance. I had weight loss (15 pounds) without dieting for the three years before I was diagnosed with stage 2 high grade muscle invasive bladder cancer. I wish I had figured out that something was wrong much earlier instead of being pleased with the weight loss even though I was slim before. I never had any symptoms other that "microscopic trace blood in the urine." The doctors now think that the weight loss was due to the cancer, but I didn't have the pain you're describing. I also am not the typical patient as I am a woman without a history of smoking, I am gluten-free and dairy free and I stopped eating red meat when I was 25. Sometimes with cancer there is no reason why, as frustrating as that might be. I do hope you will be cured of this. The fact that it is low grade is encouraging. I wish you all the best. Thank you for replying.
Before I did the surgery and was diagnosed, I did all tests including CT scan that detected the tumor and fibroid. Everything else was normal. But even while doing all that test, I was already losing weight and the weight drop continued till now.
I am really tired.you must see a doctor and you must try to get insurance. See Linda’s reply above. So so sorry you are going through this.
Hi
, first off let me say I'm sending you love. I'm sorry to hear this, I can tell how worried you are about expenses. Where do you live? In the US? Medicaid/Medicare may truly be worth giving a call to and exploring. Also some organizations are able to offer financial assistance like Cancer care, I believe BCAN can also. I don't many but it's worth a google search. Check out https://www.cancercare.org/financial_assistance
I also want to assure you this is not your fault. Bladder cancer is so unpredictable and can be the result of so many unknowns, please do not feel this is something you've brought upon yourself. Continue to take the healthy steps you've been taking. The important thing is you now have an answer and diagnosis. So now you can take the necessary steps towards treatment and recovery. Our community is here for you every step of the way. - Jada (Bladdercancer.net team member)
hi. I am not familiar with the
Health care system in Africa. Hope you manage an appointment soon. Thinking of you. Laura, Moderator, BladderCancer.net@Abii - If you have not found others in your area who are going through what you are, possibly you can on this site or BCAN inspire. They may be able to provide some guidance as to how to find financial assistance for your procedures etc. Good luck. Please keep us posted. Linda ( moderator, Bladdercancer.net team member)
- Would like an update as to how you are doing now. Hopefully you have been able to obtain some assistance. Thinking of you. Linda ( moderator, Bladdercancer.net team member)
