My bladder cancer journey.

After some GP mistakes, I was diagnosed with superficial carcinoma in situ, grade 3, in 2002. My problem was only detected because I had changed employment and part of that employment involved having yearly stringent medical checks. On my first medical, it was found that I had minute particles of blood in my urine, and I was advised to visit my GP. At this point, my GP suggested this was quite normal for men of my age and nothing to worry about.

Twelve months later I received my second medical with the same results, and the company doctor advised me to insist on a second opinion with a different GP which I did. Luckily, I got a more sympathetic response, and wheels were put in motion with the Churchill Hospital and how lucky I was to be put in such good hands. 

At the time I was 51 years old and reasonably fit. Although it frightened me to death, I had a brilliant specialist nurse and wonderful wife to guide me through the most difficult time of my life.The tumours which at the time were luckily quite small, were removed surgically. I then underwent a course of BCG treatment that took 2 ½ years to complete and although it was not easy, it was very necessary. At the time, I was very fortunate to have a sympathetic employer as at times the side effects of BCG made it impossible to work. This was especially so towards the end of the treatment when bladder infections became a problem. However, my specialist nurse and all the other staff at the Churchill Hospital in Oxford kept me going and were brilliant.

During my darkest times I did suffer with my mental health, and after some persuasion I did visit a psychologist at the Churchill Hospital which was a great help to me and which I should have done it earlier: there is no shame in admitting that you are struggling to cope and today the situation is so much easier with the magnificent "Maggie's" which is next to the hospital. Even recently, I have used Maggie's when I feel a bit down and I do feel strongly that all cancer treatment hospitals should have a Maggie's. 

I am now 22 years down the road, I still continue to have yearly cystoscopy checks which gives me great peace of mind and I have never had a recurrence to date. I am now in my early 70's and I have a good life. It has meant some lifestyle changes, for example, I try to avoid caffeine, alcohol, and drink cranberry juice, but that is easy if it helps you, and a tiny price to pay. My specialist nurse for the past 22 years has always been there to help and will always be a very important part of my journey.