Cystoscopys

I was diagnosed with Bladder Cancer March 9, 2021. My first Cystoscopy was a complete shock and frightening experience. I was not explained how exactly the procedure was done other then "The Dr. will insert a camera thru the penis to see my bladder". I did not research or ask questions at the time. After all I had been thru being diagnosed with Prostate Cancer November 9, 2021 and going for and to multiple MRIs,
X Rays, Blood drawings, and Exact scan I did NOT think anything else could be worse. I was ignorant as to what to expect from this invasive test so reached out thru social media as to HOW it was for MEN who had gone thru it. I had lots of replies, most of them positive with only a few negitive ones. Upon the actual date to be completed I was lucky to not be afraid nor anxious. I bravely entered the room and took off my pants to lay on the table. On the tray next to my table was a black long hose and a few medical items. The nurse tried applying the gel that numbs and I gasped loudly. It turned out that MY passage to my bladder was exceptionally narrow. The Dr. tried to enter with the camera and I screamed. He ordered the Nurse to go get what appeared to be a metal rod. He inserted this with much difficulty causing me GREAT PAIN. After withdrawing this he inserted the camera. It literally felt like there were razor blades cutting the inside of my penis! I yelled so hard and loud that I was forced to place both my hands over my mouth to stifle the noise so as to not scare others in the waiting room. The Dr. Showed me the Cancer mass on the screen then withdrew the camera. I panted in relief and thought I would NEVER go thru that again. Only to find out that the next step of the process was to go for 6 weeks of BCG injections. I grimaced at this news.
The 1st time I went for the initial injection, the nurse could NOT get the catheter to even enter! She went outside and met my original Dr. who diagnosed me with prostate cancer. He ASKED her what size catheter she was using and then instructed her to go get a MUCH thinner tube. He actually proceeded to do the 1st injection Himself and it was bearable
The other 5 visits were not as easy as the first but the nurse made sure she used the smaller catheters. Six weeks later I was to return for my 3 month follow up for a Cystoscopy. I KNEW I would NOT see the Dr. that did the initial one so I switched to my original urologist. WHAT a eye opening experience. He was calm and explained each step and I got thru it with only 1 gasp. I thanked him profusely and felt ELATED as he
performed the procedure smoothly and declared me Cancer Free as of August 9, 2021💜 I had my sixth month follow up yesterday and it was easier yet still uncomfortable. What I realized was that I tend to tense up so tight that it creates difficulty for the Dr. to just simply do it. The test is minimal and I must learn a breathing exercise to make it
Smoother for both the Dr. and myself
Luckily I am still Cancer Free and so proud that I put full faith into the Dr.
and medical procedures to date. I wanted to share to try to enable other men to NOT fear or worry as to this procedure. Not ALL CANCERS are death sentences. One must feel trust in their Drs. to be comfortable to proceed with anything that Could SAVE their lives. Act immediately, ask for a second opinion. Do not be fearful to ASK ANY question. Have faith and strength in yourself thru others to get thru this unexpected challenge.👌🙏

Hi Thank you so much for sharing this with us!! First off CONGRATULATIONS on officially being cancer free! This is a PHENOMENAL! I know it's been a rollercoaster ride. Have you considered sharing your story? You could submit this at bladdercancer.net/stories/new and we'd love to feature it in our newsletter! I think many would appreciate these inspirational words!

Hi everyone wanted to share that we've featured this on our facebook and others have joined to share tips! You can find them in the comments here:


https://www.facebook.com/BladderCancerDotNet/posts/4726490250744863



😀 Stay well!