h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Just when I felt things were settling down...

Feeling pretty fit again after my op, although lacking sleep & stamina. Getting back to doing all my usual leisure activities. A few problems with the bladder training, but doing OK. Finding the weekly appointments becoming a bit of a drag & now approaching 3 month review with more tests to come - probably at short notice, just when I'm hoping to start back at work.

But on top of all this, I had a routine mammogram at a mobile unit a couple of weeks ago & had a technical recall because my shoulder obscured part of the image. So off to the hospital Wed this week for repeat (digital) X ray. Very kindly, they managed to add it on to my weekly urology appointment. Radiographer said no immediately obvious problem, but today I get a letter to have more tests done. Reassuring leaflet says that the majority of recalls are OK, but on top of my bladder cancer it's a worry I could do without. Appointment next Wed.

Sorry to hear you've been having problems

Hope the recall appt goes well and you continue to do well with the other stuff.

My mother had surgery for bladder CA last year and is doing fine.

Thanks. Now the initial shock of receiving the letter has worn off, I'm a little more resigned to more tests & waits.

Glad to hear that your mother is doing well. Was type of surgery did she have? Presumably she's on close follow up like me.

She opted for just having the tumour removed - couldn't countenance going through bladder removal; she's in her eighties.
She's now on 6/12 review - where they do the up-periscopes thingie - and so far, no recurrence. I can't remember what staging/grading they gave the tumour except that it was somewhere in the middle of the range. It was a pedunculated type.
One of her chums at the clinic, who's about ten years younger than her, opted for the artificial bladder and is doing very well with it.

Are you hoping to be back at wo*k before Xmas?

Sounds rather like my brother, he simply had low/medium grade tumours removed at intervals. Unfortunately I didn't have that option, but I'm very happy with the choice I made.

Yes I'm hoping to do a few short days before Christmas with the idea of going back properly in the New Year. I only do two days a week anyway, but it's a long journey. I feel it's the last hurdle to regain my sense of normality, though I expect to go on being extra tired for some while yet.

I just hate all the short notice for appointments, not being able to plan ahead. This breast screening business really tops it off!

That is a bummer.
I haven't had to face anything like you - but I have some chronic health issues and the thing that really p's me off is the feeling of being out of control of what's happening to me. I can sympathise with your feelings of frustration at not being able to plan ahead.

with the breast screening follow-up. I'll be thinking of you.

For heaven's sake woman I go offline for a couple of weeks and you're developing more problems ! I'm sure its just that the readiologist fancies you and the pictures are blurred because his hands are shaking.

Thanks everybody. It's so good to let off steam (& have a laugh) online. I haven't yet told anyone in RL about the recall. I know hubby's concern & anxiety would only cause me more stress!

On the plus side, it was wonderful last week to run for a bus (& catch it) without a second thought. If only I could get to sleep at night as quickly...

Wish we had a fingers crossed smiley.

Phew! All OK.

Can't fault the service. I was called in 20 mins early & they showed me the suspect area on the X ray- not that it looked any different to me from the rest of the pic!
Did repeats plus one from another angle. Short wait, then a doctor did ultrasound & declared all normal.

So just ploughing on with the urology follow ups now.

Does this mean the playground is open again ?

Yay!

That IS good news

Better still, I saw my hero consultant today who declared a 90 - 95% chance of being cured of my bladder cancer. So only a renogram to come this check-up, no chest X-ray or full CT scan.

Woohoo!

I'm booked for day surgery on 23 Dec (again with my hero) to investigate my problem voiding - likely a minor 'mechanical' problem. A good excuse for a rest over Christmas!

Told you gal.

That's great news!
Are you feeling like a ton of weight's been shifted off you?

Surprising lack of relief, although I'm sure my nearest & dearest feel better. I had already been told 80%, which is good so I felt fairly positive & philosophical about it, having done all I could to ensure best outcome. The current focus is more on getting my new plumbing functioning well.
I think my main euphoria was from seeing my original consultant again instead of the new lady I had expected!