Hi folks,
I see in the message board several posts from both caregivers and patients wondering what lies in store. I am early in the process, having just received initial staging of T1-G3, so at this point my situation is not life threatening.
Still, treatment and the path forward are not going to be a lot of fun, and dealing with the ins and outs of medical bureaucracy can be frustrating.
I decided to post a blog describing my journey in great detail (graphic details are kept under separate links), and some might find it helpful. For those who have coping questions, my advice is to focus on the fact that bladder cancer is rarely life threatening, and patients need your love and support in dealing with the unpleasantness. Worry will detract from healing, while positive support will help.
People keep asking me what they can do, as they are frustrated and feel a need to DO SOMETHING. The best thing to do is to be positive, supportive, and sympathetic, and keep everybody focused on the message that it's (usually) NOT LIFE THREATENING. Once you get past that, everything else is easier!
Check out my story at: http://gotbladdercancer.blogspot.com