Sue’s story: Bladder cancer

Sue’s story: Living with bladder cancer

Sue* was diagnosed with bladder cancer at age 54.

Putting symptoms down to menopause

I had always had issues with frequent urination ever since I was a child. When I was in my early 50s I experienced spotting of blood but I put this down to perimenopause. It never occurred to me that it wasn’t an issue with my period or that blood could have been coming from elsewhere. I wish it was more well known that blood in urine is serious and needs to be investigated.
I was always very active, walking 5k daily but on top of the spotting of blood I started to experience pelvic pain. It got to the point where I couldn’t walk to the end of my driveway because of the burning pain and the frequent need to urinate. Sitting through meetings at work was hard. It was impacting all aspects of my life, although I did continue working. It was a very difficult time.

Diagnosis

I went to see my GP about two other symptoms and it was only when I was walking out the door of the appointment that I mentioned the frequency of my urination. The GP really listened to me and booked me in for an additional scan. I got a date through for a scan but this was during COVID and my own work was very busy. I couldn’t get cover at work and I felt bad taking time off so I delayed my scan by six weeks. I finally had my scan and was diagnosed with bladder cancer at age 54. I found out when my GP called me and told me that they had found a tumour and it was likely to be cancer. Looking back, I should have taken my health seriously and put myself first by not delaying the scan initially.

Being treated for bladder cancer

I was initially treated with trans urethral removal of bladder tumour (TURBT). They took half away in the first procedure and the other half two weeks later. I was then given BCG treatment and stayed clear of cancer. I was having regular check-ups every six months. But after 18 months I was told it had come back.

Since then, it’s kept returning.

The service and care from my GP and all those at the hospital including the urologists and my specialist nurse has been second to none. They delivered excellent care, even through the COVID years and I cannot thank them enough for everything they have done for me. But I know that services are in high demand and they are very busy. I feel lucky and very thankfully that I’m not one of the more ‘serious’ cases so when I’m in an appointment I don’t like asking too many questions and taking up their time. This can mean I don’t always get my questions answered. The administration side of booking appointments can sometimes also be a challenge.

Impact on my life

Bladder cancer has had a huge impact on my life. I haven’t shared with colleagues that I have cancer and I’ve had very little time off but my bosses know and I feel like it is impacting the way I’m treated at work. I haven’t opened up to many people including my family as I don’t want people to worry about me.

While it has had a significant impact on me, I’m now on a new treatment and living my life.

*Name changed for confidentiality (and please note the photo is posed by a model for anonymity)