Psycological Problems

gviar

Since being told I had cancer of the bladder, even though mine was caught early and removed, it has affected me mentally. I cannot get over the fact that I might not be around that much longer so it is hard for me to think of the future. It this normal? Has anyone else had these feelings? I want to try and put this behind me but it has really screwed up my mind to the point that I wonder if I will ever enjoy life again.

Canadoll

Hi, try to focus and enjoy one day at a time. If they got all of it, they did. This is one type of cancer that can be cured if caught early. I know many people that are survivors. Enjoy each day as a gift.

Military

Research will show you that there are those that have had similar problems now cancer free 20+ years. I for one had surgery 2 years ago and am still cancer free.

TereB

Hi gviar, We all go thru the same thing, I guess it is normal. Cancer is a very scary word. There are many survivors and yours was caught early so you have a chance of a future. If the feeling of dread doesn't go away please see a therapist who can help your mind get over it and enjoy life again.
I went thru the same feeling when I was first diagnosed, surgery, radiation, etc. and then told there was no cure for my rare cancer. With the help of a therapist I was able to enjoy life again.
All the best, TereB

gee4083

I had a 6 cm tumor removed from my bladder in Feb. of 2004. It was low grade and had not invaded the bladder wall. I felt very fortunate at the time, however that didn't stop the worry. I felt then, and still feel very frightened and catch myself dwelling on potential problems that may lie ahead. I try very hard to focus on today and not let my mind wonder in to the future which I have no control over. The worry is common and natural I think with all of us. As time passes and you realize that you may live a long cancer free life, the worry will decrease. Good luck to you!

sheridan

I guess the important thing to remember is that with early treatment cancer free from bladder cancer can go on and on. When I had my 3-month cystoscopy in July the doctor found another cancer and I had BCG treatment for that. the first cancer hasn't returned in a year and a half and my oncologist was sure that the second one will be gone after the BCG. I will find out in October.

As long as I don't have to consider the bladder removal, I feel OK most of the time. I really don't say "why me" because why not. I think when we have this type of cancer we have to get used to the regular cystoscopy exams and my doctor does them on a regular table (not the torture table with the leg trays) and I can deal with this as an unpleasant necessity of continued life, but without the humiliation factor.

Like you, I wish there would be some sort of support group for this but even in a big city like Los Angeles there is none.

gviar

sheridan said:

I guess the important thing to remember is that with early treatment cancer free from bladder cancer can go on and on. When I had my 3-month cystoscopy in July the doctor found another cancer and I had BCG treatment for that. the first cancer hasn't returned in a year and a half and my oncologist was sure that the second one will be gone after the BCG. I will find out in October.

As long as I don't have to consider the bladder removal, I feel OK most of the time. I really don't say "why me" because why not. I think when we have this type of cancer we have to get used to the regular cystoscopy exams and my doctor does them on a regular table (not the torture table with the leg trays) and I can deal with this as an unpleasant necessity of continued life, but without the humiliation factor.

Like you, I wish there would be some sort of support group for this but even in a big city like Los Angeles there is none.

Thanks for the reply. I hope to not worry so much but it is just hard not to think about it. Even though I was told I only had maybe a 40% chance of it coming back, it still dwells on my mind to the point I have to make myself try to enjoy doing things. I have always worried about things to much, and now this is really making me nuts. I am thinking that seeing a therapist may be the best for me.

Haf

I had bladder cancer stage 4 in 1996. Dr. Mancini looked over my symtoms and said he was going to test me SAP. After ten days before the operation (so the aspirin I was taking would not cause me to bleed to death--I stopped with the aspirin). Dr. said he consulted with five other Dr's. and said the bladder needs to come out. So, Sept. 10, 1996 my bladder was removed. I joined a support group as soon as I found one. The Wellness Community was a God send for me. The Dr. said he got all the cancer but it came back onto my lymph node in the groin area. After the bladder op the Dr. said I did not need radiation or chemo. Sometime in 2000 it appeared its ugly head. Radiation and chemo followed. But before I started with rad/chemo, my wife had breast cancer. Had an lumpectomy in 1999 and it was dormant for close to five years. Then it matasisized onto her liver. We both were going to the Wellness Community for support--and what good thing that was for both of us. Without a postive outlook and the support group, we could not have made it--I'm sure. I have an external bag and wafer--change both every 10 days. I must tell you--DO NOT BORROW TROUBLE--always think positive and fight that **** cancer the best way you can.
Haf

egtmcsq

hi just read your post and i dont think anyone is going to say this new journey your on is going to be an easy one.its not.but there is help out there.i was a strong fit builder working in london with an excellent client base then in march 2006 all hell let loose.since then all the usual stuff operations chemo still ongoing.but emotionally i needed help.personaly for me i tried counselling ten weeks and i found it very usefull.it may not be for everyone.but i need all the help i can get.if i could sum up in a few words what i learned during the coarse of those ten weeks its this. i was having a normal reaction to a very abnormal situation .remember your not alone good luck buddie all the best