Trying To Stay Positive

By CandlerBagus

1 min read

So, to make a long story short, back in April of this year, I noticed some blood clots in my urine. I then made an appointment with my urologist and had a cystoscopy completed.

It Was Bladder Cancer...

Turns out the blood was from a tumor. A urine test was sent to a lab and test results showed some cancer cells. After more tests, the doctor found a small tumor in my bladder. The tumor was high grade (not good) and I was scheduled for surgery to remove it toward the end of April.

The Future

The biopsy from the surgery didn’t find any evidence of cancer in the bladder muscle wall (that’s good). So, I went back to the urologist 2 weeks after surgery for a follow-up to look in there again. I was scheduled for a biopsy to review the area where the tumor was removed. I was also scheduled for BCG treatments which started on June 9th. Yesterday I had my second treatment.

This is where I am today. This is my story.

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Boate Member
Read The Lotus Sutra, English translation by Burton Waston, The doctrine is The Lotus Sutra, it is about cause and effect, the chant is Nam Myoho Renge Kyo, my husband from something else but he prolonged his life. Look up Nichiren Shoshu Buddhism in the internet.
1. Linda Urbanski Member
 @Candlerbagus - It can be challenging trying to stay positive at times through a cancer journey. I found that keeping my regular schedule of work and play - so to speak and spending time with friends and family who did not discuss my cancer was the best medicine for me. I found also that having a reward for myself at the end of the treatment worked. Cancer can consume your thoughts every day if you let it and the challenge is not to let it. When someone asked how I was feeling or doing, I would say fine and that would be it. I would turn the subject to something else. Try to focus on something beyond your tests, treatments, appointments etc. Reward yourself for getting through whatever it is. Do something nice for yourself that you want to do as a reward. We cancer survivors are strong people and I am sure you are one of them. Linda ( moderator, <a href='https://bladdercancer.net' target='_blank'>Bladdercancer.net</a> team member)
CandlerBagus Member
Thanks Linda for your kind words. I am trying to stay busy to keep my mind off of it. Yesterday I had my 5th treatment of BCG. Although I have had some side effects, it is going well. My last one is next week and then we'll go from there. I appreciate your words of encouragement.
1. Linda Urbanski Member
 @CandlerBagus - I am so happy to hear that you only have one BCG treatment left and that the first 5 went well. That certainly sounds good !! You are almost to the end of these treatments for this round and lets think positively that your results will be that it was successful. Please keep us updated on how things go with your 6th BCG and after that. My best to you. Linda ( moderator, <a href='https://bladdercancer.net' target='_blank'>Bladdercancer.net</a> team member)
2. Linda Urbanski Member
 CandlerBagus - Good to hear. You should be done or close to done with your treatments by the time you read this. Good luck and please us know how things went. My best. Linda ( moderator, <a href='https://bladdercancer.net' target='_blank'>Bladdercancer.net</a> team member)
CandlerBagus Member
Thank you Linda for your support and encouragement. I am looking forward to getting the sixth BCG treatment over with today. Am looking forward to having a break for a while. Thanks again for your kindness.
CandlerBagus Member
Hi all. Haven't posted in a while. Well, it's been a nice long break after my first initial BCG treatments. After having a check inside bladder a few weeks ago, and everything looking good, I'm scheduled for the next round of treatments to start tomorrow. I am having those feelings of being anxious again. Glad this time it will only be three treatments. Looking forward to getting these next treatments over with.
1. Linda Urbanski Member
 @CandlerBagus - Sending you hugs and good thoughts as your next round of treatment begins. It is very normal to be anxious and I am not sure that ever completely goes away. I think if it did we would become complacent and we do not want that. My best to you. Hoping that the BCG has minimal side effects and that it works for you. Linda ( moderator, <a href='https://bladdercancer.net' target='_blank'>Bladdercancer.net</a> team member)
CandlerBagus Member
Thanks you Linda for your kind and caring thoughts. Havent posted in a bit and am having a short break after completing my last round of BCG treatments in October. I don't know why, but seemed the last treatments were a little more difficult as far as side effects, but I made it through and I am thankful. I enjoyed Thanksgiving and looking forward to Christmas. My next cystoscopy will be end of December and will be scheduled for the next round of treatments. Hopefully all will be good.
1. Laura MacKenzie Member
 <inline-mention username="CandlerBagus" user-id="4171917"/> thanks for letting us know how you are getting on. I think sometimes there is no reason why some cycles or treatments are harder then others. Glad you had a good thanksgiving. Wishing you a lovely Christmas and best of luck for the cystoscopy and the next treatment. Laura, Moderator, <a href='https://bladdercancer.net' target='_blank'>BladderCancer.net</a>
CandlerBagus Member
Hello all. Just wanted to give an update on my progress. Last month I had my routine cystoscopy and all still looked good. I was glad to hear this news. I was then scheduled for my next round of 3 BCG preventative treatments to start the second week of February. Unfortunately, I received a call that the treatments have been cancelled due to not being able to get the BCG medicine because of shortage. Has anyone else had this problem? If so, what is the alternative treatment. I am currently waiting to hear from urologist to see how to proceed.
1. Laura MacKenzie Member
 <inline-mention username="CandlerBagus" user-id="4171917"/> that is great everything is looking good. I know due to covid there are BCG shortages but I have read this should improve soon. I am not medically trained but your medical team should be able to advise on alternatives. Hopefully you hear from your urologist soon. Let me know how you get on. Laura, Moderator, <a href='https://bladdercancer.net' target='_blank'>BladderCancer.net</a>
2. Linda Urbanski Member
 @CandlerBagus - Unfortunately I hear too often of BCG shortages and have for several years so it is not uncommon. I do on occasion read that some patients are given a smaller dose but do not know how that is decided. This has been a problem for a long time and I sometimes wonder why it is only manufactured by one company and not more. I hope that you hear food news and soon. Please keep us posted. My best Linda ( moderator, <a href='https://bladdercancer.net' target='_blank'>Bladdercancer.net</a> team member)
CandlerBagus Member
Thanks Linda and Laura for your kind remarks. Just wanted to give an update on my treatments. I have been scheduled to receive an alternative drug which the first treatment of three will start Friday. I am thankful that there is at least another form of treatment available. I understand that the side effects are not as bad. We shall see. Thanks again.
1. Laura MacKenzie Member
 <inline-mention username="CandlerBagus" user-id="4171917"/> thanks so much for letting us know how you are getting on. That’s such good news you are having a chance at an alternative drug. Please keep us posted how it goes on Friday. Sending positive vibes your way. Laura, Moderator, <a href='https://bladdercancer.net' target='_blank'>BladderCancer.net</a>
2. Linda Urbanski Member
 Candlerbagus - That is great news!! I have always felt that keeping a postive attitude during times like this can reduce stress. Sending positive vibes your way that you have minimal side effects if any. Please keep us updated on how things go. You got this !!! Linda ( moderator, <a href='https://bladdercancer.net' target='_blank'>Bladdercancer.net</a> team member)