It's been awhile since I needed to post updates on my challenge. Obviously there have been some changes in my health. So, that being said, I'll be adding to my blog with my latest challenge: Bladder Cancer.
Something's Not Right
A few weeks a go while visiting a friend post-covid. I had some green tea with ginger. After a spell I had the urge to urinate so I meandered to the bathroom and went. I noticed a tinge of redness to the color and something that looked like a scab (clot) that was passed. I didn't think too much about it, but I was concerned. I looked at my pee every time and the color cleared up on its own. So I didn't give it a second thought, but I was always looking.
Tuesday morning (June 15th) I was awakened by some noise outside. I was awake enough to know that I had to pee. Figured I'd do that then go back to sleep.
With one eye open I was shocked to see blood red urine. Well I couldn't go back to sleep. Went online and did symptom checker. Could be anything from kidney stones to...even worse. I had no new pain. Drank plenty of fluids hoping to flush it out. No change. I called my primary care and they fit me right in.
At the doctor's office, he did all his questioning, feeling etc. I peed in a cup (guess he needed proof). He sent me for blood work and scheduled me for an ultra sound.
Later that day, I received a call indicating blood tests were normal and I had no infection. Kidney(s) were functioning normal.
Had an ultrasound on my kidneys and pelvic region Thursday (June 17th). Bleeding had stopped, but urine was very dark and cloudy. Got a call that evening indicating kidneys looked good, but there was a 'change' to the bladder. Said I'd get a call about info/appointment with Urologist.
Received a call with info on my appointment with Dr Liam Hurley (who has an office in Salem NH). I received an appointment for Wednesday (June 23rd). Apparently they were able to squeeze me in since they were booking for September. The nurse mentioned that I had a growth. I guess that's a change.
So bleeding had stopped. Urine is normal color.
Urologist Appointment
Today I had my appointment with Dr. Hurley at his office at Keewadin Dr, Salem NH. Masks were still required, but there were very few patients in the waiting room. After an easy check in, I was told to wait until called. It wasn't long before I heard my name being called. A medical associate guided me to an examination room and provided me with a clip board and paperwork that needed completing (I call them SAT's). I didn't get too far when Dr Hurley arrived with my file. After introductions and pleasantries, he got right to business and said that I have bladder cancer. Absolutely not what I wanted to hear.
He explained that I needed a procedure so he can 'get in there' and look around and scrape away the cancer. He said it's done as an out patient procedure. I would be put to sleep and he would 'go in' through the penis and see what's there and do clean up. He did mention that I would have bleeding episodes again and once he knew for certain the extent, he would be able to provide more input for treatment. The procedure is scheduled at the surgical unit of the site on September 15th. I asked if I need someone to drive me/pick me up and he said no. Oh the wonders of medicine. He shook my hand and said 'I'll take care of you". That actually made me feel a bit better although I think I'm still in shock. I was told to complete my paperwork in the waiting room then drop it off at check out.
More to come!
