[Viva] Bladder Cancer - what to look for

[pegfrank]

Isn’t is amazing to have this site where we can share some of the most difficult and amazing times in our lives with others who understand.  THank you both for reminding us to speak up - share and know that caring is not sympathy but genuine heart meeting heart in the throughs (Or throws)  of really difficult times. We are aging humans, and bound to have ‘regular’ health issues. Those of us who have lived for more than 30 years with this THING, may find it strange to just have bladder cancer, or just have a stroke, or just have a pelvic fracture, but we need — as Denise said — to stay vigilant with our care.

I hold this circle of wonderful women in my heart. You all have gifts that I and others have received. One of them is this brilliant website.

Hugs (self-hug with arms stretching far to catch the energy from others and then wrapping tight) to all in a hug free time.-peg

> On Sep 29, 2020, at 9:53 AM, Denise Wozniak <deniseswozniak at gmail.com> wrote:
> 
> Dear Friends:
> 
> About two weeks ago, I was diagnosed with a low grade bladder cancer. I have an operation on October 13 to remove it and the urologist says he would be shocked if it had spread.  I'm letting you know this so that you will know what to look for and what follow-up to take to catch it early:
> 
> Around 3 months ago I had a urine test as part of my regular blood work. I had not had bloodwork for at least 8 months due to worries about being around any Covid.
> 
> There were a few differences from the usual results:  Here is what was different:
> 
> Protein ATrace 
> Leukocytes APositive
> 
> My cd4 was 1080 and my ratio was 45%, both really good considering I have had HIV since 1989.
> 
> A month later I started to notice a lot of blood in my urine and no pain, my skin was incredibly itchy (related?). I also had blood in urine in 2017 and it was due to a UTI or a kidney stone. At that time I had pain too. This time the bleeding lasted over a week.  During that time my GP sent me for another urine test:
> 
> Protein A1
> Hemoglobin A>=10
> Leukocytes A75
> 
> The Leukocytes had really changed.
> 
> A cytology was ordered from another urine test and sent to the BC Cancer Agency - Negative for Cancer.
> 
> At that point I almost cancelled a Urologist appointment but I thought I would tell him what had happened so far. He said he wanted to do a cystoscopy (camera up into my bladder) because sometimes a cytology doesn't catch it. He also changed by GP's ultrasound appointment to a CT scan. The cystoscopy found the cancer. Lesson learned:  do not cancel a urologist appointment.  I told him I'd had worse news in the past (haven't we all!) and so this was something I would just wait to see what happens.
> 
> The urologist set up an appointment for me to have an operation to get the tumour removed on October 13. Tumours are just a collection of cancer cells and often we think of tumours as something much more sinister but they can be small. I will have the results about 10 days after the operation and will know if the cancer cells are just on the surface or have gone deeper into the wall of the bladder.
> 
> I'm letting you know all of this because I learned that I shouldn't take blood in the urine too lightly and don't settle for Cytology results.
> 
> I don't need sympathy, I just want to bring about awareness and I will keep you informed as to next steps because it's always good to have knowledge.
> 
> Virtual hugs to all of you,
> 
> Denise Wozniak
> 
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- Peggy Frank

Now seeing the morning sun rise from 1103-139 Clarence St., Victoria, BC V8V2J1

“I have been and still am a seeker,
but I have ceased to question stars and books;
I have begun to listen to the teachings
My blood whispers to me.”
- Herman Hesse



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