Well the news has just got worse

[Doorman]

Some people will have noticed my new signature and a number of friends have PM'd me for more information. I am now able to give that information, but have decided to make a public annoncement, because all the best advice suggests that it is better to share concerns with others rather than harbour them.

 

I have just returned from the Urology Department at Bristol Southmead Hospital where the Specialist Consultant informed me that the recent CT Scan has confirmed cancer in my bladder (which we more or less already knew). However I was also informed that they have detected several small lesions in both my Lungs, which are presently too small to be confirmed as cancer, but which they are assuming probably are.

 

I am returning to Southmead tomorrow to see the Oncology Consultant to discuss an urgent course of Chemotherapy, followed by further tests. If the lesions shrink or stay the same size, that is good news, and I can proceed with having my bladder removed and a New bladder built from bowel tissue. However if the legions continue to grow, I have to make a decision whether to undergo major surgery to cure one cancer, in the knowledge that another one will finally get me, or to just let nature take it's course. Either way I shall not be doing much boating in the near future.

 

Please accept my apologies for hi-jacking the General Boating forum, but somehow the Pub did not seem the appropriate place, especially as the most probable cause of my problem is smoking a long time ago and subsequent passive smoking. I am not seeking sympathy or pity, I merely wish to share my news with people who I feel will understand, and if there is anyone out there who has been through the same experience that they are willing to share, I would love to hear from them.

 

David,

 

no need to make any apologies for sharing your news, and yes, I agree with you in terms of sharing your information with others. Tell the world if it eases the

shock and all of the emotional turbulance that accompanies this type of revelation.

 

5 years ago, my wife was diagnosed with breast cancer! Our lives were shattered by the devastating news delivered to us while waiting in our local Oncology Depatment. As you well know,

the specialists believe in telling it straight and don't give you any flannel about your prognosis. Who knows if this is really the right approach? I can still remember

that fateful occasion as if it were yesterday. We both cried like little babies and why not!

 

We can only imagine what you and your family are going through in terms of emotional turmoil, anxiety etc., It is perfectly normal to become angry with the world and question your god

if you are in any way religious, we did all of those things.

 

And now the good news!

 

She may be 5 foot nothing in height, but my wife's a tough little Tyke from the Yorkshire dales and is still with me to this day. She underwent extensive surgery conducted by an Italian

genius and hopefully, his skills will prolong her life for many years to come. I firmly believe that her positive outlook on life was her saving grace. Even when after Chemotherapy,

her hair fell out and she donned a wig, she still had the time to laugh at her condition and battle on. There were numerous occasions when the wig would irritate her scalp so she'd

just whip it off, even once while we were enjoying an Indian meal at a busy local restaurant, the young waiter was absolutely gobsmacked to see me sat next to what resembled

Kojack, when 5 minutes earlier it was a middleaged lady with a thick head of blond hair! I only wish I had half of her determination.

 

There are days when she becomes wheepy and reflects on what could have been, but the thought of our new life on the canals keeps her perked up

and thankful to all those who kept her going.

 

All I can say is this, keep your faith in those who matter most to you, laugh in the face of adversity and laugh every day at some of the most silliest of things. This is as good a tonic as any of the crucial medication that you'll be offered.

 

Stay strong, if not only for yourself but for your loved ones, they'll take great faith from this and in turn, help you on your road to recovery.

 

All the very best to you and yours!

 

Remember to keep your chin up

 

Mike & Chrissie

[noff]

my thoughts are with you at this tough time as are so many others ..best wishes

[Malarky]

It never ceases to amaze me what goes on in the medical scene, they've discovered and indeed mastered some incredible stuff, so at least you have an opportunity to get a glimpse into that world.

It's very usefull to hear about this sort of thing, as most of us will know someone with such problems, or indeed be in similar situations, thank you for sharing. Keep your head and heart, and the positive spirit then you'r winning whatever happens

I wish you all the best, and thanks again for posting.

[jeannette smith harrison]

hi

sorry to hear the news, my long term partner also has bladder cancer,he has had 3 seperate cemo sessions & 4 radiotherapy. sadly his has spread all over inc the brain.the way we have survived this so far is to take the good days with the bad,learn to talk about your fears with your loved ones,dont shut them out as they are worried also,stay positive,but if you feel like a good cry have one,i promise you will feel better after.talk to you macmillan nurse, angels with wings have nothing on them. satistics say bladder cancer is one of the most curable cancers.ulucky for kenny the doctor he had at the time treated him for urine infection for four months & by the time he was acc diognosed it was to late.

good luck with the cemo

jeannette smith harrison

[David Schweizer]

Well I have just had my first batch of Chemotherapy and it all went to plan. I am feeling a bit sick much of the time and am on a campaign of drugs to stop me actually being sick, so far they are working. I don't seem to want to eat very much at the moment, which should be good for the waistline but I have actually put 4lbs on since I had the Chemo, however that is apparently something to do with fluid retention and is fairly normal, and should recede. I worked out that they must have pumped about 7 litres of fluid into me over an eight hour period, and I only weed out 4 litres, - they make us measure it and keep a record. We had an output competition in our four bed unit and I won, but the beer prize did not materialize, must have been Virtual Pub competition.

 

At the moment I am feeling a feel a bit tired and weak, but that is probably a combination of the treatment and the fact that I did not get too much sleep in hospital. I have to return next Monday for a daytime chemo session which should only take about and hour, and the back again in 14 days time for a second two part course of Chemo. It is about then that I shall apparently be feeling really grotty just what I want three days before Xmas!! but it may be after Xmas depending on the Blood cell count.

 

On the more Positive side, I would like to say that The Bristol Oncology Unit looked after me very well, The staff are very attentive, explaing everthing carefully and answering any questions clearly and helpfully, and the double checking on all the treatments was very impressive. The food was excellent, even full English breakfast if you can face fried food first thing in the morning, regular cups of tea and coffee with cakes and bicuits throughout the day, even if you didn't feel like eating them. The place was absolutely spotless, we must have had cleaners of one sort or another in at least three times during the day, plus the wipe downs after all meals. The Doctor who attended me said she had been inthe Unit two and half years, and during that time thaey had not had one case of MRSA or any other similar infection.

 

Finally may I thank all the people who continue to send supportive PMs etc. I hope that you will understand if I do not reply to them all individually, as it will become quite boring typing more or less the same thing many times, but having to adjust each one to the individual post. I hope that people will accept these updates as an acceptable response.

Edited November 25, 2009 by David Schweizer

[RLWP]

David, thank you for the update. I'm content with whatever you can manage.

 

Richard

 

That's the first time I've seen a posting on the fluid consumption of a human being. I feel like going and doing my own measurements to see if I can beat you!

[abfab]

David, thank you for the update. I'm content with whatever you can manage.

 

Richard

 

That's the first time I've seen a posting on the fluid consumption of a human being. I feel like going and doing my own measurements to see if I can beat you!

Hello David, although I dont know you personally I would like to offer my support. 15 years ago I recovered from cancer of the uterus and lo and behold 4 years ago I was diagnosed with aggressive breast cancer. I didnt think that I would still be here today. It was a gruelling 3 years but I found it easier by keeping in control of what I could. I looked at diet and how this could help and tried to look at the positive parts of my life instead of focussing on the negatives. I used to imagine the cancer cells being eaten away by the chemo...I would like to offer you support. Sometimes its good to have someone who isn't friend or family.I was a Marie Curie Nurse for 8 years before I was diagnosed so if you would like my phone number just PM me and I'll get back to you..Good luck with your treatment....My friend is also recovering well from bladder cancer at the moment. I wish you well..

[Alec Gatherer]

Best wishes David from your Riley buddy.

25+ yrs ago I was diagnosed with cancer; not quite the same as yours but in a similar area (!) and it had spread.

Long story short - NHS sorted me out a treat and now comme Butcher's Dog.

I look forward to updates (years & years of them in fact).

[Carrie]

Blimey David. There I was, happy to hide from CWF for ever and you have to go dragging me back on the site with your bloomin awful news! I couldn't keep from adding my two-pennorth (some things never change, eh?) and wishing you every good thing there is - health, strength, joy, beauty, laughter and endless days of lazy boating still to come. Will be thinking of you and checking back for your news...

Big hugs xx