Recently Diagnosed

Frank, sorry to hear about your diagnosis and I hope your BCG is going well. My experience has been that each treatment intensifies that immune reaction. Be prepared for that intensity. I found that diversions, binging your favorite movies, Netflex, etc., helps. It also helps to be completely honest with your friends and family about what is going on in your body. I have found that almost everyone in my circle is willing to listen, empathize and wants to help.


I am not sure if the male reaction is similar to females, but if you want more specifics in terms of impact, please reach out.


Diane

Thank you for the feedback and I'll follow-up with my progress. Much appreciated.

Frank, I had the exact same diagnosis and treatment and am now way further down the road from you with the good news I am cancer-free today. Sorry about those catheters to have to discover some nurses are better than others at this procedure is an uncomfortable lesson. Mine was a pesky little tumor just in the lining np easy procedure now BCG treatments. Then you find out your doctor is marking the time between tumors to gauge how aggressive it is. I got to my third one and things changed very dramatically and quickly doc said this one is at the base of one of your kidney downspouts we recommend chemo, followed by removal of the bladder, prostate, and lymph nodes in the vicinity. Chemo first, they have concurred the getting violently sick part I was never sick once and actually gained weight. Did not lose all my hair but thinned it. Next surgery they used a Da Vinci robot on me, 10 hours surgery 8 days in the hospital sucking on ice chips, and pretended the nurses were in love with me. Morphine drip I could push a button every 10 minutes to dose myself. 3 months recovery with visiting nurses. Now picture an IV bag duct-taped to your stomach a few inches to the right of your belly button it hangs over your underwear but under your pants. This bag has a spigot which you use to empty the bag, no feeling whatsoever the bag just slowly fills. Now here is the good part after a while this becomes your new normal and eventually, you can bend and tie your shoes. Now your peeing your brains out right now getting up maybe 5 or 6 times a night imagine falling asleep and waking up when your body felt like it, they gave me a tube that attaches to a two-liter bottle which I empty when it gets full. If you get this far, no more catheters, no more cancer but they are still gonna CT scan your butt every 3 months. They cut your urethra completely during operation so the entertainment section gets closed. This whole scenario is behind me now, I'm on a diet now and losing weight and at 67 I'm looking for a new girl. Brace yourself as it's a bumpy ride but to me, it's just that really scary roller coaster ride that you had absolutely no control over, maybe the worst part. Good Luck my friend and to anyone else on this really shittee ride God Bless.

Hi Hale1776,
Wow, you have certainly been on a long journey. I'm pleased to hear that you're cancer free. You sound incredibly optimistic. Going for my 3rd BCG treatment tomorrow. Your words have given me hope and a better attitude, as I always consider the worst outcome. Feeling much better today, thanks to you. Stay well my friend. Best regards Frank