James I quite agree with you in trusting your GP more than a "Junior Doctor" or registrar as they call themselves, I have been going to the Mater Hospital now for 15 months for treatment with my particular cancer and haven't met the head of the department even though everything so called goes to him. On my first visit last year a doctor I named "Doctor Doom" told me everything bad that would happen if the treatment didn't work, the doctor came back after my procedure and again gave me bad news even though everything was succesful. I believe that doctor is on another team now, my GP on the other hand is full of hope and understanding of all things and is very positive.  Regards Paul ... View more

Hi Scott and let's hope you keep going along the track of being special, you are indeed special as you/we are dealing with a special desease. My cousin Pat who has had Bladder Cancer now for 17 long years and has endured BCG treatment for that long still gets overjoyed when she gets the all clear, I am just a newcommer to Bladder Cancer and have just been through a week of hospital visits and tests with the all clear at the end. I too wake up in the early hours wondering how I got on this Journey but I get up and get on with life, stay positive and keep busy is the key. Regards Paul ... View more

Hi Captain and this week has been quite busy in "My Bladder Cancer(BC) Journey" as I have been to three different hospitals but I got the all clear so all worth it with just one more test result to come on Monday I live for another 3 months until the next round of testing, even plan on going on holiday. Well done on your own personnel "All Clear" and long may it continue. Your emotional journey sounds much the same as mine as it's in the early hours when you lie in bed thinking about the whole stupid world that has been thrown at us and the question is always "Why Me" but you get up and get on with life as it is and thats what counts. Keep on living Captain, Paul    ... View more

Many thanks Ron and I am humbled by your reply, just got back from my 3 monthly check up post treatment and all clear so await the next treatment/check-up in October. Met so many cancer sufferers whilst down in Brisbane getting all this done that makes me feel that I have a common cold compared to some of their problems. Long may you continue to walk the planet Ron, that is my phylosophy for life now as as long as I have this new normal life I am walking the planet. Love & Best Wishes Ron.  ... View more

 To "Never Ending", I have treatment on a 3 monthly basis for my Bladder Cancer and yes it can be very hard to take as a long term thing but as you yourself have answered your own question in "I have this for the rest of my life". Yes the alternative isn't good without the treatment so learn to live with "your new normal" which we all have to and as Nikki says enjoy your grandkids as they will put a smile on your face every time you look at them even when they get grumpy. Love your life Paul  ... View more

Hi Happy Dragon and the subject of dental problems came up at a recent Cancer Support group meeting, a few of the people who have had chemo said their teeth were cracking and decay setting in. Apparently they all suffered with daily vomiting which brings up the acid from your stomach and general immune problems cause the teeth to suffer, I too had a couple of problems there as well even though I am on BCG treatment. We all got referred to our local oral health clinic which costs nothing. Your cancer coordinator should be able to refer you for a check up. Hope this helps and good luck. Love & Best Wishes Paul ... View more

Hi Duncan and I have only Bladder Cancer and indeed I have been clear for my last two Cystoscopy's so my Journey isn't as unpleasant as yours is turning out to be, my first twelve months was very intense with a high grade tumor removed plus cancer spots inside the bladder removed and treatments by the shovel load. This has settled down into what is described as "my new normal" which means I am have to deal with different things that I never dreamt of  previously, treatment is ongoing and however unpleasant it means I walk the planet which I hope you and I will be doing for a good while yet. Take love and support from family and friends  even though some don't understand what you are going through, I wish you the best in your journey and by the looks of it you have the right frame of mind to deal with whatever is thrown at you. Love & Best Wishes Paul  ... View more

Hi Nikki and thanks for the pm and yes the people you have to deal with in our cancer journey most of which have never suffered with anything other than the flu have a lot to learn, glad you have the cream that does work. My niece in Canada has a diet for her blood group which the dietitien in my local cancer care centre swears will cause you no end of trouble but she is good and healthy so?  Keep positive Nikki and form your own opinion on things,  Love & Best Wishes Paul  ... View more

Sorry to hear your all having problems in S.A, I have high grade bladder cancer with C.I.S and large tumor removed. This has been my life for the last 12 months or so, I have also had three lots of BCG treatment and 4 cystoscopies in that time. I live in Hervey Bay QLD and need to travel to Brisbane (4 hours) for my cysto's and major op's but BCG I get localy. There is a QLD government system here that allows me to claim my travel costs back and the Cancer Council have a motel in Brisbane which is free to me as they claim the cost from the QLD Gov, I would contact your local urology liaison nurse to see if you have this system for rural residents in your state. I have also had lots of problems getting information from the urology team and I can vouch for other countries where they also have the problem. I ask as many questions as possible at all times and have even written them down on my hand prior to going into surgery and doctors write the answer down on the other hand so don't be afraid to ask and keep asking. I am a pensioner and have limited funds and have so far not paid for any treatment and have received the best, good luck. Love & Best Wishes to all Paul D  ... View more

Bravesthuman I really feel for you as at your most critical time when you need someone that someone isn't there to help, join your local cancer support group and you have the use of a physcologist as well at your local cancer clinic. When first diagnosed with bladder cancer a year ago my family showed their colours and where by my side and have been throughout, a couple of so called friends have dropped off but true friends are still there. Hold your head up and fight this set back as that's what it is and you will get back on track again, cancer is the worst thing to have but don't let it beat you. Love & Best Wishes Paul   ... View more