urinary symptoms

[katefernhill]

hi. Has anyone had cystitis like symptoms as a sign of recurrence? I was diagnosed in 2011 with stage 1c. Had surgery and chemo and all has been well since until a couple of months ago when I started getting cystitis like symptoms. Have been to the GP who initially gave antibiotics but when it quickly returned she says it is a lack of oestrogen on vaginal tissue causing problems with inflammation . I'm not convinced and I've never had any of these symptoms before. I'm worried it could be a sign of a recurrence. Am I fussing or should I insist it be checked?

[Manchesterlady]

I have this problem, I went for a cystoscopy a couple of weeks ago . The urologist said I have a small patch of inflammation in my bladder, which although doesn’t look suspicious, he wants to repeat this procedure, and take a biopsy. Still waiting to have that done .

[Coldethyl]

I have bladder issues since surgery and chemo - my mum who hasn’t got cancer is the same and her GP had given her topical oestrogen for vaginal atrophy due to lack of the stuff so your GP isn’t plucking things out of thin air - maybe wrk for cystoscope if you are concerned - can you speak to your CNS ?

[Eriksendi]

I have the same and also currently awaiting a biopsy. I’m praying it’s not a recurrence too.

[katefernhill]

Thanks for replies My GP mentioned topical oestrogen but wasn't sure if I could have it because of the OC. Said she would need to check with the oncologist. I would be reluctant to try it. I read some studies online as to whether it increased recurrence and the results seemed inconclusive so probably isn't a risk I'd be willing to take. And I'm still not convinced it's the problem. I think they are too quick to blame everything on lack of oestrogen.

[Iwillbeatit]

Hi Kate

I have been having infections since January after I finished chemo and on starting avastin. Antibiotics clear it up but it comes back 5 days later then more antibiotics. Also got dermatitis around vulva and skin there. Gp. Says two are unrelated. Consultant says never had another patient with it so not the treatment. I a m not operable have 4b and on hurt before diagnosis. So I too am wondering if it's hormonal. It's agony I sympathize. But had routine scan last week and avastin is working no new blood cells growing in the cancer so I hope this reassures you. Gp has sent me to a dermatologist and my appointment is today. I feel your pain but don't worry I as my consultant don't think it's cancer back.x

[Twinkle63]

Hi thought I would share my experience as I was first diagnosed in 2014 with Stage 3 OC. Towards end of 2017 I kept getting repeat infections. Different GP practice than in 2014 but equally as bad. I must have had at least 5 lots of antibiotics, nothing worked. I was also told to go to sexual health clinic, this made me so angry. I demanded scan they said nothing there. I then had CT scan as part of review and cancer had returned. In my experience cystitis is absolutely cause for concern. Of course it may not be the same for you but please don’t allow GP to fob you off go and speak to your oncologist. I have been let down twice now by GP’s and won’t discuss anything with them about cancer, go direct to the specialists. Appreciate some are great, just not my experience. Good Luck

[Lizzie1234]

Try a little oestrogen cream, only half an applicator full, once every 10 days and rub a small amount on outside and you should notice a huge difference. The amount is so small it shouldn’t make any difference re cancer but will definitely make you more comfortable and if you’re still suffering get further tests as others advise. X