Lost

[Deedles12]

I was diagnosed yesterday . The doctor bluntly told me within the first few seconds of meeting him i have bladder cancer. Then right into best\worst case scenario and treatments. At this point im numb. Then he tells me I need the very large tumor removed asap. I sign the consent paper and leave. Today I get a call that I can't get in for surgery for almost two months! I am in panic mode. Is this the norm? Should I find another doctor? I cannot see myself waiting knowing I have cancer growing in my body. Help!

[Rossi68]

Hi there... you seem to have an uncaring consultant... you can easily see other consultant... i can't help with the 2 months though... hope someone else can

[Deedles12 in reply to Rossi68]

Thanks. I called my PCP and asked for a referral to another urologist. Hoping whoever that is cares a bit more about him I'm feeling.

[Melian in reply to Deedles12]

Hi. A very similar thing happened to me. The first consultant was very 'matter of fact about the whole thing and my husband and I drove home in a complete daze. When I told my G.P. he was very concerned about the consultant's attitude and made him call me and apologise. I was also told the wait would/could be 2-3 months but after that, my husband asked for me to be referred privately. I don't know where you live but we asked for the Royal Marsden hospital in London. Once referred, I saw the best consultant ever who had my operation date for the following week. After I had paid for this treatment, he took me on as an N.H.S. patient so now go for regular checks without the hefty fees. Fortunately, he removed 2 tumours which, to date, have not returned. I have been clear for 2 years now. I would ask to be referred elsewhere to give yourself peace of mind. Good luck and try not to worry too much, they have very outcomes now days.

[Letterhead]

The same thing happened to me. I was actually having a cystoscopy (I’m a woman) so this in itself is an embarrassing position. Consultant said I had cancer. My husband was in the waiting area so I had no one close with me. I was in total shock and had to go and tell my husband I had cancer! I was told to go and make an appt for an urgent body scan! I had my op a month later. After 3 months another check revealed I had cells in my ureters so needed another op to shorten and reposition these tubes. I had to wait 3 months for this op, but I was ok. Hope this helps.

[westseajoe]

D- i am 71 and had a lot of BC growing inside my bladder. My Dr was very clear I had BC and i was strangely calm.....like ok what's next- what do i have to do. Surgery was a few weeks later and also a second look surgery afterwards. The protocol afterwards here, is 6 BCG infusions one week apart. Believe me, you get used to them after the first couple are behind you. It's the fear and the thoughts ahead of time that's the worse part. Eat well, drink lots of water and calm yourself. Ask your Dr why it takes so long for surgery and see what he says. If the cancer is slow growing, then 2 months might not be too bad. If it has not gone thru the bladder wall, that's the best news. I am approaching my last 3 BCG infusions- after that it's just one bladder inspection per year as a check up- all these 5 plus years the dr has not seen any problems with my bladder. Courage!