Checkup that Found Bladder Cancer

By capnjim1

1 min read

Last year, while trying to determine the source of a significant GI bleed, I underwent several tests and scans. One of these was an MRI of my lower abdomen which didn't show a source of the GI bleed but did show a spot on my bladder. Scoping showed a small mass that was a beginning bladder cancer.

Treating my bladder cancer

Surgery followed with a good dose of chemo. My doctor told me at my follow up that it was low grade and superficially attached, and that it was completely removed and had a less than normal chance of recurrence.

Regular scopes to check for signs of recurrence

3 month, and now 6 month scoping is being done to keep a check on any signs of recurrence. Since bladder cancer doesn't normally show any symptoms until after significant growth, I was truly blessed by the accidental finding of mine in the early stages and can't stress enough the importance of regular checkups to possibly catch a problem before it becomes a major problem. Never did find the source of the GI bleed.

How was your bladder cancer discovered?

Share My Story

This article represents the opinions, thoughts, and experiences of the author; none of this content has been paid for by any advertiser. The BladderCancer.net team does not recommend or endorse any products or treatments discussed herein. Learn more about how we maintain editorial integrity here.

Join the conversation

Please read our rules before commenting.

lindaj Member
I just finished a 6 week treatment of BCG with very few side effects. However at the scope it was discovered that I had alarger tumour than the original one. The Dr. Is treating me with the same procedure again. Has anyone been thru a 2nd round of BCG? What are the side effects like the 2nd time? What happens if it doesn't work this time. Is baladder removal the only option? Thanks, anyone.
1. Sarah Wallin Community Admin
 Hi <inline-mention user-id="2072445" username="lindaj"/> , your comment reminds me of this story by <inline-mention user-id="2066279" username="donnah"/> : <a href='https://bladdercancer.net/stories/bcg-bladder-preservation/' target='_blank'>https://bladdercancer.net/stories/bcg-bladder-preservation/</a>. They mentioned doing a second round of BCG and how that went. I definitely encourage you to discuss your options with your doctor, or get a second opinion if you don't feel comfortable with the answer that you get, as <inline-mention user-id="2063994" username="capnjim1"/> suggested. -Sarah (BladderCancer.net Team Member)
2. donnah Member
 Hi Lindaj. As Sarah mentioned, I have had a number of bcg treatments. When I was first diagnosed, I had TURBT surgery and after my bladder healed, I had six rounds of bcg followed by three rounds of maintenance immunotherapy treatments. Less than a year after the first surgery, tumors had returned and I had a second TURBT surgery. Since straight bcg hadn’t stopped the cancer, my doctor put me on a full dose of bcg combined with a full dose of interferon immunotherapy. Subsequent cystoscopies have shown me to be NED (no evidence of disease). I am going for another quarterly cystoscopy in a couple of weeks and hope to remain cancer-free. I have had approximately 18 immunotherapy appointments and have tolerated them fairly well. After each treatment I have mild flu-like symptoms that disappear after a day or so. Ongoing fatigue is permanently with me, but, again, I am successfully dealing with that. I am highly motivated to keep my bladder because of my age (72) so I think my determination probably helps me cope (determination sounds better than stubbornness!!). I would encourage you to speak with your medical team - write down questions and concerns beforehand so you don’t forget anything. If you’re like me, I get nervous in the doctor’s office and can easily forget to mention or question something important to me. Mostly I would tell you not to be discouraged. Having multiple TURBT surgeries and immunotherapy treatments is quite common so don’t be frightened about that. Good luck and best wishes to you!
Mac Howard Member
capnjim, glad you caught things early. I encourage you to stay with the scope schedule your doctor suggests. The further out you get without a recurrence the more tempting it is to accept that everything is fine and stop getting scoped. My doctor warns me every year. I go for my 13th consecutive annual scope in 3 weeks...lol Best wishes Mac (site moderator)
capnjim1 Member
I'm getting scoped every 6 months now and for the forseeable future per my doctors instructions. I'm too afraid of a recurrence even if it was low grade and superficially attached. I don't think I'll ever become complacement about getting scoped because of the fear I had when I was told I had cancer. I had Whipple surgery 6 weeks after the bladder surgery and after 8 hours of searching no cancer was found!
1. Mac Howard Member
 capnjim1, I am glad to hear you are on guard against complacency. Every scope my urologist makes sure to encourage me to not miss my next appointment. I told him there are two dates I never miss, him and my anniversary. He laughed and told me I was wise. Stay vigilant, Mac (site moderator)
2. capnjim1 Member
 Complacency is not a factor in the present but if it were to rear it's ugly head in the future I'll try to remember your words of encouragement. Thanks for that and all that you do for all of us. Most sincerely, Jim

Community Poll

Have you taken our In America survey yet?