Bladder Cancer at 28 and Fear of Recurrence

By anni141191

1 min read

Last updated: December 2020

I am 28 years old and have had bladder cancer for 5 months. I have been fighting against cystitis several times a year for 13 years and during this time, I have taken several kilos of antibiotics. But this time everything was different - the antibiotic did not work, I still had blood in my urine. So I was examined by a urologist.

After a cystoscopy and a biopsy, it was clear that there were two malignant tumours in my bladder. A shock! After two TURBTs, 13 radiations and chemotherapy with cisplatin, my prognosis is exemplary. A healthy young person who can win the battle against cancer.

Fear of recurrence

The fear of a recurrence is almost greater than the fear of not recovering. Because of my young age, the chance of a relapse is much greater and that takes away some of my courage. Does this fear move you, too?

What is your biggest fear about bladder cancer?

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Liz Hiles Member
I have low chances of recurrence due to all of the anatomy I had removed. However, I know that IF I do have a recurrence, it will likely be in different anatomy. I had such a hard time getting the appropriate diagnosis in the first place, I wonder if I'll recognize the symptoms since the anatomy is different and if I will be able to get the docs to believe me if I do start experiencing symptoms. I also worry about kidney function as both kidneys have decreased function due to the disease and I experience kidney stones. Fortunately, I have better docs now than I did when I was diagnosed.
Crystal Hartranft Member
Hey <inline-mention user-id="2061705" username="anni141191"/> I’m really happy to hear you’re doing well physically. Although I’ve never personally had bladder cancer, my dad was diagnosed when I was 14. Each year in October he goes in for his annual check up and each year my entire family feels the anxiety. We worry it’ll come back, we worry about the emotional toll it takes on him, we worry about him afterwards because it’s such an emotional high to come down from. I hope you’re able to find peace and I hope that you’re surrounded by people who love and support you through this. If you feel up to it, please keep us posted on you’re doing. If you’re interested my dad writes quite a bit about he emotions he’s experienced since his diagnosis. You can find him by searching Mac Howard.
Linda Urbanski Member
Anni - thank you for sharing your very personal story. Fear of re-occurrence is very common and I assume that it is with most of us. I would hope that each year that passes will allow the stress of this disease to become less. The most important suggestion that I have is to remain vigilant. Do not miss appointments or testing. Make sure that if you have anything that does not seem right that you reach out to your medical professionals immediately. You know your body and what is normal and what is not. I wish you the very best in this journey and please keep us updated on your progress as we are part of your support team. Linda ( moderator, author, <a href='http://Bladdercancer.net' target='_blank'>Bladdercancer.net</a> team member)

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