The Unknown

By Captain ricih

1 min read

Thank you to the submission about living with it. I was diagnosed with a grade 1 carcinoma in my bladder. Fortunately, it was within the surface and hadn't penetrated the muscular layer. I have completed 6 BCG treatments without major issues. In 5 more weeks, I go to Drs office for the dreaded cystoscope. The catheter for that is way bigger than the one used in BCG treatments.

I will be required to get scoped every 3 months for the rest of my life. As you stated, the fear is always in the back of your head that it will return. Having read statistical data, the percentage of the cancer returning eventually is close to 40 percent. So I guess I can never say for sure I'm cancer free the rest of my life.

Totally afraid and dreading those scope jobs. I'm sure there are many other people in my boat. Good luck to all of us.
Captain Rich

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Laura MacKenzie Member
<inline-mention username="Captain ricih" user-id="4870200"/> for sure scans or scopes for checkups cancer be an anxious time. It is definitely a hard balance sometimes to try and live life in between times. Wishing you well. Laura, Moderator, <a href='http://BladderCancer.net' target='_blank'>BladderCancer.net</a>
Linda Urbanski Member
<inline-mention username="Captain ricih" user-id="4870200"/> - I think that we all have or had anxiety regarding not only this disease as well as with the testing and treatments. The positives of them ( possibly) working can outweigh the anxiousness of the tests. I wonder if you can mention your concern and a smaller catheter can be used. Also there are doctors who use a local anesthetic for this procedure that seems to work for some people. I know that my doctors used it and I did not have a problem with my cysto. Sending prayers your way that your treatments were successful and that your follow ups goes easier on you. Please keep us updated as we are always here to support you. My best Linda Urbanski ( moderator, <a href='http://Bladdercancer.net' target='_blank'>Bladdercancer.net</a> team member) 
1. Captain ricih Member
 <inline-mention username="Linda Urbanski" user-id="2062957"/>
Captain ricih Member
Thanks for your thoughts. I will definitely be reviewing all this with the Dr. As it will be for life I will eventually get used to it I suppose.
1. Laura MacKenzie Member
 <inline-mention username="Captain ricih" user-id="4870200"/> hope you next meeting with your doctor goes well. Wishing you well. Laura, Moderator, <a href='http://BladderCancer.net' target='_blank'>BladderCancer.net</a>
Linda Urbanski Member
<inline-mention username="Captain ricih" user-id="4870200"/> - I wish you well with your next tests. I do know that as time goes on and when results are clear, the need to test as often is slowly reduced - which is definitely a good thing!! Keep us posted on how things go. My best Linda Urbanski ( moderator, <a href='http://Bladdercancer.net' target='_blank'>Bladdercancer.net</a> team member)
Captain ricih Member
I certainly will. Thanks Capt Rich
Linda Urbanski Member
<inline-mention username="Captain ricih" user-id="4870200"/> - Always remember - You got this!!! My best Linda Urbanski ( moderator, <a href='http://Bladdercancer.net' target='_blank'>Bladdercancer.net</a> team member)

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