4 years on

[Bladdercancerman]

After my Bladder Cancer diagnosis, along with CIS and having had 3 years of BCG, it was nothing compared to how friends and relatives reacted.

To say I was ostracized is an understatement. After informing those who knew me, the emails and telephone calls stopped. It was though I had an infectious disease. People did not know how to react or know what to say. A few have now come around but it has been difficult.

My inspiration came from Lady Archer, who herself had been diagnosed with advanced Bladder Cancer and was treated and she now continues with her life as normal. She is truly an inspiration.

All those with this condition go from one cystoscopy to the next. The secret is not to tread water between check-ups, get on with your life. There are many of us in the same boat, lets all keep rowing against this tide; we call cancer.

Good luck everyone.

[PaMul]

Well done for getting through CIS and BCG treatment. There’s perhaps some truth in the saying “a friend in need is a friend indeed “ and in the opposite no friend in need isn’t really a friend. Make the most of the friends who have been there for you they are the gems! Best wishes and may you long be NED

[Bladdercancerman]

Thanks for that. Appreciated. Are you a Bladder Cancer sufferer?

[Anniemouse]

Totally agree, I have just returned from yet another cystoscopy to be told i have two growths that have come back, so now i await another minor op and so the story continues, although i am feeling fed up. I am determined to get on with my life and enjoy every minuet . So positive thinking all the way .

Stories from others about how they cope and manage this horrid disease is helpful .

Blessings to you all .

[Bladdercancerman in reply to Anniemouse]

Keep battling, don't let this setback deter you.

[Yankeebo]

I go in every 3 months ever since finding a small tumor 3 years ago. Also had 2 TURBTs. I freely tell people about it and havent had negative reactions (that I know of). I agree with you that life goes on and those 3 months just keep on passing without any fretting or anxiety on my part.

We are the ones who have the condition, others have their own personal afflictions. I like it when people open up about themselves, we have a mutual trust and bond when we talk. No pretenses, just open honesty. If people react negatively, that is their own failing and they can live with it because that shows their own fragility. Hang in there, we are the strong ones. God Bless, my friend.

[Bladdercancerman]

Are you coping OK and when is your next cystoscopy? I appreciate your concluding remarks, as I am a believing, albeit not for many years a practicing christian