He goes every 3 months to have it checked. He has cancer of the bladder and its come back twice now in the past 2 years since being diagnosed but luckily has been non-aggressive. Please pray for him to still be cancer free. We're both very nervous and he is very edgy!!

I will be praying for your husband- best of luck and hope he gets better.

Of course, I hope he gets better soon.

Praying for him, I hope he gets well soon.

I will keep you both in my prayers.

My prayers are with you sweetie!

I'll be praying for your husband and keeping my fingers crossed. Good Luck!

He goes every 3 months to have it checked. He has cancer of the bladder and its come back twice now in the past 2 years since being diagnosed but luckily has been non-aggressive. Please pray for him to still be cancer free. We're both very nervous and he is very edgy!!


I am so sorry to hear that your husband has cancer in the bladder. You defintley have my thoughts and prayers with you and hope the appointment goes good.......... :(

My prayers go out to both of you. :)

My prayers to you and your hubby. I had my checkup (MRI and bloodwork) today too. Hope all goes well for everyone! :)

My prayers to you and your hubby. I had my checkup (MRI and bloodwork) today too. Hope all goes well for everyone! :)I hope everything turns out ok for you. :)

Kimberlee, God be with you and hubby tomorrow!!! :bighug:

I will pray for your husband

I'll keep you both in my prayers. Hope it goes well for your husband.

thank you everyone! i love my so family! my husband says he feels a lot safer and calmer when yall pray for him as every time we've asked for prayers things have turned out fine! tripperfan i'll be saying a special prayer that all works out for you as well. thank you again everyone and i'll update you tomorrow!

My heart really goes out to you and your family. My dad barely survived cancer. He came so close to not making it. I do believe that prayer does work. I will say a prayer for you and yours.

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your husband. Cancer is a terribly scary situation. You know that firsthand. Yes, please keep us updated.

i will pray too

You bet I'm praying!!!

you & your husband will both be in my thoughts. i hope the check up goes smoothly & that there is no cancer. keep us posted! :)

Your husband is in my prayers!! I wish you both the very best!!

You and your husband are both in my prayers! :bighug:

I'll keep both of you in my thoughts :bighug:

It came back and he has to have immediate surgery on Friday. Usually it'll be one tiny nodule that they scrape out but the doctor said it was all over the bladder this time. He stopped counting at 6. After surgery he's supposed to get these washes through a catheter for 6 weeks. Can anyone explain what these washes are? My husband does not want to talk much right now as it just upsets him more.

Yikes, I'll continue to keep him in my thoughts and hope this goes away and he gets better soon. :(

Yikes, I'll continue to keep him in my thoughts and hope this goes away and he gets better soon. :(
thanks, i'm so unbelievably sad right now. i'm so scared this is what he's going to die from eventually. i'm trying to be strong but i just want to cry. i didnt really cry when it came back the first 2 times because it was just one nodule but i'm afraid its turning aggressie now! he's been the only stability and happiness and love in my life and i just don't know what to do if i lose him. i know i'm overreacting at this point since the news is so fresh but its so hard to see him upset as he's one of those man's man type. i think i'll feel better once i talk to his doctor friday post-op because i'll be able to read into his facial expressions and attitude about the prognosis. it just boggles my mind that 3 months ago there was nothi ng there and now his bladder is loaded with it. everything was going so good too, we just got out of debt and everything was going so well for us.

thanks, i'm so unbelievably sad right now. i'm so scared this is what he's going to die from eventually. i'm trying to be strong but i just want to cry. i didnt really cry when it came back the first 2 times because it was just one nodule but i'm afraid its turning aggressie now! he's been the only stability and happiness and love in my life and i just don't know what to do if i lose him. i know i'm overreacting at this point since the news is so fresh but its so hard to see him upset as he's one of those man's man type. i think i'll feel better once i talk to his doctor friday post-op because i'll be able to read into his facial expressions and attitude about the prognosis. it just boggles my mind that 3 months ago there was nothi ng there and now his bladder is loaded with it. everything was going so good too, we just got out of debt and everything was going so well for us.
Ugh, I'm so sorry and you are NOT over-reacting. You have every right to be upset. Things like this certainly aren't fair. I don't know you well, but you seem like a good person who doesn't deserve this at all, nor does your husband. Best of luck to you two, I truly hope things work out for the best. :hug:

thanks PT. I'm glad you replied 1st as John Ritter always cheers me up, another good guy taken too soon. I think i'll "dust off" my 3's company dvds and watch a few tonight to cheer me up. the trio and their antics never fail to make me smile. on a very unrelated side note: i saw 3's company season sets at walmart just the other day for $13 each

I truly hope and pray things take a turn for the better.

thanks PT. I'm glad you replied 1st as John Ritter always cheers me up, another good guy taken too soon. I think i'll "dust off" my 3's company dvds and watch a few tonight to cheer me up. the trio and their antics never fail to make me smile. on a very unrelated side note: i saw 3's company season sets at walmart just the other day for $13 each
No problem. :) Three's Company always makes me happy, too...never fails...yet this one still doesn't have the dvd's ohno: I need to get on that. Definitely go for it...laughter can't necessarily fix things, but it sure does wonders.

It came back and he has to have immediate surgery on Friday. Usually it'll be one tiny nodule that they scrape out but the doctor said it was all over the bladder this time. He stopped counting at 6. After surgery he's supposed to get these washes through a catheter for 6 weeks. Can anyone explain what these washes are? My husband does not want to talk much right now as it just upsets him more.
I am so, so, sorry, Kimberlee. :bighug: We are all praying and crying with you right now, sweetie. :bighug:

thanks sweetie! you're such an angel! i wish i could just twitch my nose and make it all disappear! if only life really worked like that. when i was little i discovered bewitched on n@n and thought elizabeth montgomery was classy and dignified. i used to want to be just like her. thats when i began my quest to be a blonde! sounds corny but sometimes i'd try to wiggle my nose at someone who picked on me or if something went wrong. it never worked needless to say but it was fun to pretend.

^ Awwwww...:blush: You're too sweet.

lyrics that fit my mood:
Here I am, here I am
Somebody's waiting, anticipating your tears
Here I am, right or wrong
Where I am, you belong
When you need someone there to be strong

Here I am, when the good times come into town
Here I am, for a hand or just hanging around
Everyone sometimes stumbles and falls
A friend is a number you know you can call
Just to hear someone tell you, "Here I am"

thanks, i'm so unbelievably sad right now. i'm so scared this is what he's going to die from eventually. i'm trying to be strong but i just want to cry. i didnt really cry when it came back the first 2 times because it was just one nodule but i'm afraid its turning aggressie now! he's been the only stability and happiness and love in my life and i just don't know what to do if i lose him. i know i'm overreacting at this point since the news is so fresh but its so hard to see him upset as he's one of those man's man type. i think i'll feel better once i talk to his doctor friday post-op because i'll be able to read into his facial expressions and attitude about the prognosis. it just boggles my mind that 3 months ago there was nothi ng there and now his bladder is loaded with it. everything was going so good too, we just got out of debt and everything was going so well for us.

My grandfather went through this. They had to remove his bladder, but he lived 6 months longer than he would have if they hadn't. Cancer is a terrible thing, I've lost many family members to it and my mom works in a Cancer Center, so she sees it every day. I'll be praying for you guys! :bighug:

It came back and he has to have immediate surgery on Friday. Usually it'll be one tiny nodule that they scrape out but the doctor said it was all over the bladder this time. He stopped counting at 6. After surgery he's supposed to get these washes through a catheter for 6 weeks. Can anyone explain what these washes are? My husband does not want to talk much right now as it just upsets him more.

:( i'm so sorry. cancer is so terrible; no one should have to go through it. you & your husband will remain in my thoughts & prayers. i hope things get better for you both. keep us posted! :bighug:

You and your husband are both in my thoughts and in my prayers. Sending postive vibes your way and a lot of strength. May the Angels look after you and your husband:)

thanks, i'm so unbelievably sad right now. i'm so scared this is what he's going to die from eventually. i'm trying to be strong but i just want to cry. i didnt really cry when it came back the first 2 times because it was just one nodule but i'm afraid its turning aggressie now! he's been the only stability and happiness and love in my life and i just don't know what to do if i lose him. i know i'm overreacting at this point since the news is so fresh but its so hard to see him upset as he's one of those man's man type. i think i'll feel better once i talk to his doctor friday post-op because i'll be able to read into his facial expressions and attitude about the prognosis. it just boggles my mind that 3 months ago there was nothi ng there and now his bladder is loaded with it. everything was going so good too, we just got out of debt and everything was going so well for us.
It's completely understandable to feel the way you do. Don't feel bad for worrying! You're only human. But it's good that they're getting this taken care of quickly. I hope all goes well and I'll be thinking about you guys on Friday.

thanks PT. I'm glad you replied 1st as John Ritter always cheers me up, another good guy taken too soon. I think i'll "dust off" my 3's company dvds and watch a few tonight to cheer me up. the trio and their antics never fail to make me smile. on a very unrelated side note: i saw 3's company season sets at walmart just the other day for $13 each
And people say TV isn't important. It's great for mental health!

I'm definitely going to be praying that your husband can recover. Hopefully the operation goes well also. :(

I'm so sorry to hear this. My prayers are with you both. :(

I'm so sorry to hear this. :( I can't even begin to imagine what the two of you must be going through. My heart truly goes out to you both!! I will pray for your husband everyday!!

I'm so sorry. With all these prayers coming your way this has to get better. Try and be positive. My mom had cancer ( she is doing great ) so I know the scary feeling you are going through.

My thoughts are certainly with you, as I am going through the same thing with my father. Two weeks ago, my father had a large portion of his bladder removed due to his cancer. His most recent tests showed no signs of cancer in his remaining bladder, but the doctor still wants him to continue his chemotherapy for at least a year as a precautionary measure. He had his catheter removed last week and is starting to feel so much better, so keep up your spirits and hopes for your husband, as you are both in my prayers. :)

i feel a little better today. after getting past the initial emotions i've looked at it from a more logical and calmer perspective. based on the treatments they want to give him post-op, his cancer is stage 0 or 1 which is very encouraging. however, the only thing that bothered me was why they want to do the surgery so fast. the past recurrences they waited 3wks to a month before taking it out as opposed to this time it being a matter of days. also just the rate in which it grew bothers me. the last 2 appointments - zip! zilch! nothing! and then just 3 months later its everywhere in the bladder?!? makes no sense! but other than that, the doctor has said if you had to pick a cancer to get bladder cancer is one of the most treatable. and the chemo washes are highly effective in erradicating the growth or making the duration between recurrences longer. there's also advancements in medical technology every single day so there might be better alternatives on the horizon. so i am optimistic. he luckily is a stage 0/1 not stage 4, he has cancer of the bladder not lung or pancreas. and his treatments will be localized to the bladder only, through a catheter so he won't have the side effects of traditional chemo like hair loss etc. that most suffer. i thank you all for your prayers and thoughts and encouragement that mean so much to us you'll never know. i know my husband will still be upset as he is the one this is happeningg to and cancer is probably the scariest word in the dictionary no matter what kind it is. it makes us have to face something we try to ignore: mortality but i think his outlook will improve as his treatments get underway and he will feel like hes doing something proactive against it. he plans on fishing sunday after his surgery (its out patient) so thats a good sign! i love you all, i truly do

Don't panic sweety. I know that your head races during these visits and results, but it is good. And it could be that they just happen to be "slow" at the moment and have an opening for surgery quickly.

I felt the same way when I was diagnosed (and originally I was stage 2 - which is still considered "benign" - at least in my case). I didn't opt for surgery (I probably should have but I'm on my own and had nobody that could care for me post-op) but I did have 12 rounds of radiation. They had me in within 3 weeks and I wondered why so fast if it wasn't fully cancer, but it was because there was an opening and of course, the sooner you treat these things, the better all around.

I swear they're coming up with new things each month and it could be that they realize that they waited a week or two longer previously and it has come back so that's why they might want to be more aggressive this time.

Mine has since actually gone to stage 3, but I'm still not overly worried. We've got enough to contend with, without driving ourselves crazy with negative thoughts.

Hope you can keep positive and all goes well. He sounds like a fighter. :)

Don't panic sweety. I know that your head races during these visits and results, but it is good. And it could be that they just happen to be "slow" at the moment and have an opening for surgery quickly.

I felt the same way when I was diagnosed (and originally I was stage 2 - which is still considered "benign" - at least in my case). I didn't opt for surgery (I probably should have but I'm on my own and had nobody that could care for me post-op) but I did have 12 rounds of radiation. They had me in within 3 weeks and I wondered why so fast if it wasn't fully cancer, but it was because there was an opening and of course, the sooner you treat these things, the better all around.

I swear they're coming up with new things each month and it could be that they realize that they waited a week or two longer previously and it has come back so that's why they might want to be more aggressive this time.

Mine has since actually gone to stage 3, but I'm still not overly worried. We've got enough to contend with, without driving ourselves crazy with negative thoughts.

Hope you can keep positive and all goes well. He sounds like a fighter. :)

I know nothing about these things so sorry for asking what may be an obvious question, but is your stage 3 considered cancer? Like, is it a malignant tumor?

I know nothing about these things so sorry for asking what may be an obvious question, but is your stage 3 considered cancer? Like, is it a malignant tumor?


Frankly, I'm not too sure what exactly is going on now. Initially I was told it was stage 1 - which is considered benign with brain tumours. They don't consider it cancer until it reaches 3 usually (again, depends on the type of brain cancer too).
They figure this tumour could have been sitting at the base of my cerebellum for as long as 10 years. When they caught it in May, it was the size of one of those large marbles so we just watched it. After full tests in June, they found it had grown to about the size of a ping pong ball and was starting to press on the brain stem. It becomes more serious then and that's when the symptoms stepped up. Since last year, I had been getting seizures and at the time we thought it was from the stress I was going through (my husband asked for a divorce and I lost my job phoning a lawyer 4 days later). It was just ahead of Christmas and I was looking at having to move out also.
Anyway, I also had been getting very bad headaches and migraines that ran down the right side of my neck and into my shoulders. Again, chalked it up to stress all those years.
I lost my appetite and 30 lbs, etc. and didn't have time or the energy to go see a doctor. Depression set in and all I wanted to do was sleep. I did find a great new job, but was also laid off that (I never told them about the tumour for fear of losing my job, but it turns out I should have - they would have put me on disability and I'd at least have health insurance).
Then the next MRI showed a "tentacle" that wrapped around the cerrebellum towards the inside of my brain and this is when it was stepped up to a grade 3 (normally non-cancerous tumours don't shoot off tentacles). My doctor is trying to reassure me that they're trying to be extra cautious, since this also makes it inoperable. They blasted me with 10 more radiation treatments (and they're the ones that pinpoint rather than all over). I've maxed out on that now, so we're at the point we're monitoring it to keep it in check. If things start shrinking enough, and as long as it doesn't go to a grade 4, they think I can live with it for a long time. I may have to go for more microwaving (as I call it) but we'll see.


Sorry to Punky for rambling on, on her thread, but thought it was a good opportunity to explain it thoroughly since I really haven't before on SO. I don't mind talking about it now. At first I was a mess. And folks, I don't mind explaining it to anyone or even making jokes about it (see note in my sig). Life's too short to take ANYTHING - especially yourself too damn seriously.

Kimberlee and Cathy, you are both in my prayers :) I hope everything turns out OK.

Frankly, I'm not too sure what exactly is going on now. Initially I was told it was stage 1 - which is considered benign with brain tumours. They don't consider it cancer until it reaches 3 usually (again, depends on the type of brain cancer too).
They figure this tumour could have been sitting at the base of my cerebellum for as long as 10 years. When they caught it in May, it was the size of one of those large marbles so we just watched it. After full tests in June, they found it had grown to about the size of a ping pong ball and was starting to press on the brain stem. It becomes more serious then and that's when the symptoms stepped up. Since last year, I had been getting seizures and at the time we thought it was from the stress I was going through (my husband asked for a divorce and I lost my job phoning a lawyer 4 days later). It was just ahead of Christmas and I was looking at having to move out also.
Anyway, I also had been getting very bad headaches and migraines that ran down the right side of my neck and into my shoulders. Again, chalked it up to stress all those years.
I lost my appetite and 30 lbs, etc. and didn't have time or the energy to go see a doctor. Depression set in and all I wanted to do was sleep. I did find a great new job, but was also laid off that (I never told them about the tumour for fear of losing my job, but it turns out I should have - they would have put me on disability and I'd at least have health insurance).
Then the next MRI showed a "tentacle" that wrapped around the cerrebellum towards the inside of my brain and this is when it was stepped up to a grade 3 (normally non-cancerous tumours don't shoot off tentacles). My doctor is trying to reassure me that they're trying to be extra cautious, since this also makes it inoperable. They blasted me with 10 more radiation treatments (and they're the ones that pinpoint rather than all over). I've maxed out on that now, so we're at the point we're monitoring it to keep it in check. If things start shrinking enough, and as long as it doesn't go to a grade 4, they think I can live with it for a long time. I may have to go for more microwaving (as I call it) but we'll see.


Sorry to Punky for rambling on, on her thread, but thought it was a good opportunity to explain it thoroughly since I really haven't before on SO. I don't mind talking about it now. At first I was a mess. And folks, I don't mind explaining it to anyone or even making jokes about it (see note in my sig). Life's too short to take ANYTHING - especially yourself too damn seriously.

There's nothing to be sorry for Tripperfan, I'm glad you shared your story, #1 its good to just get it out and #2 its a nice opportunity to educate people. when my husband was 1st diagnosed 2 years ago i sobbed uncontrollably. i immediately thought "death". i think it was just a fear of the unknown and facing mortality and the fact that we really don't have control over fate as much as we try to. theres just an association i think between the word cancer and the "d" word. but now as we're on the 3rd go around its not the scary thing it once was. there's so much out there with medicine/science/technology and treatments and most of the cancers are treatable if not curable. to all, whether you have cancer or not, try reading gilda radner's book 'its always something' its poignant, informative and although we know how it ultimately ends her journey is nonetheless inspiring and albeit tragic its uplifting and believe it or not humorous, it may be the greatest gift she left us. and tripperfan i want you to know we all love you and are pulling for you and you're not alone. i'm always here if you want to talk.

LOL I'M STILL WAITING TO KNOW WHAT A WASH IS!!! LOL O/T: I'M AT POST 600!

Frankly, I'm not too sure what exactly is going on now. Initially I was told it was stage 1 - which is considered benign with brain tumours. They don't consider it cancer until it reaches 3 usually (again, depends on the type of brain cancer too).
They figure this tumour could have been sitting at the base of my cerebellum for as long as 10 years. When they caught it in May, it was the size of one of those large marbles so we just watched it. After full tests in June, they found it had grown to about the size of a ping pong ball and was starting to press on the brain stem. It becomes more serious then and that's when the symptoms stepped up. Since last year, I had been getting seizures and at the time we thought it was from the stress I was going through (my husband asked for a divorce and I lost my job phoning a lawyer 4 days later). It was just ahead of Christmas and I was looking at having to move out also.
Anyway, I also had been getting very bad headaches and migraines that ran down the right side of my neck and into my shoulders. Again, chalked it up to stress all those years.
I lost my appetite and 30 lbs, etc. and didn't have time or the energy to go see a doctor. Depression set in and all I wanted to do was sleep. I did find a great new job, but was also laid off that (I never told them about the tumour for fear of losing my job, but it turns out I should have - they would have put me on disability and I'd at least have health insurance).
Then the next MRI showed a "tentacle" that wrapped around the cerrebellum towards the inside of my brain and this is when it was stepped up to a grade 3 (normally non-cancerous tumours don't shoot off tentacles). My doctor is trying to reassure me that they're trying to be extra cautious, since this also makes it inoperable. They blasted me with 10 more radiation treatments (and they're the ones that pinpoint rather than all over). I've maxed out on that now, so we're at the point we're monitoring it to keep it in check. If things start shrinking enough, and as long as it doesn't go to a grade 4, they think I can live with it for a long time. I may have to go for more microwaving (as I call it) but we'll see.


Sorry to Punky for rambling on, on her thread, but thought it was a good opportunity to explain it thoroughly since I really haven't before on SO. I don't mind talking about it now. At first I was a mess. And folks, I don't mind explaining it to anyone or even making jokes about it (see note in my sig). Life's too short to take ANYTHING - especially yourself too damn seriously.

I'm really sorry. :( I hope everything works out for you :bighug: You've always been one of my favorite posters on here. PunkyP0WER, your husband is in my thoughts as well. :)

I'm really sorry. :( I hope everything works out for you :bighug: You've always been one of my favorite posters on here. PunkyP0WER, your husband is in my thoughts as well. :)
aww, thank you honey, big cyber hugs right back to you for being such a sweetie!
You've always been one of my favorite posters on here. PunkyP0WER:)
lol i always thought i was the ted mcginley of threads on here (as jumptheshark.com might deem me!) i swear i kill the majority i post in !! lmao

aww, thank you honey, big cyber hugs right back to you for being such a sweetie!

lol i always thought i was the ted mcginley of threads on here (as jumptheshark.com might deem me!) i swear i kill the majority i post in !! lmao

aww i don't think so. i haven't been on these boards in a while though, so i feel like i missed out on a lot. :lol:

My strongest prayers are with you Kimberlee and Cathie. Never under estimate the power of prayer. May God be with you both and protect you and I pray that your husband makes a FULL recovery.

Thanks everybody. It really does make you feel better when you know people care.

Yeah, it's funny, sure I get freaked out about it at times, but for the mostpart, I wasn't too alarmed when first diagnosed. I think more and more you don't necessarily associate cancer with imminent (sp?) death, but just you're going to be in for a fight for a while. It still depends on the type of course, but more and more are treatable.

And you always try to look on the bright side - with her husband, it's bladder, so fairly contained (hopefully) and with brain, there's no real pain other than the headaches, and they have eased somewhat. My brother laughed that if I had surgery, it would figure I'd get one that I could stay awake in and yak it up with the doctors, asking exactly what they're doing. As it was, they built me a "custom made helmut" with holes in it for the treatment. I felt like the Great Kazoo getting highlights done! ;)

yeah really - what the hell IS a chemo wash anyway?

I'm getting this visual of it being like at the dog groomers where they'd have to hold people in collars to keep 'em there. If he comes out with a bow in his hair, you'll know!

well, friday was my husbands surgery and everything went well. it was a very routine procedure that went smoothly. the cancer was small and only on the surface of the bladder and from appearance still looked non aggressive and hadn't eaten into the bladder muscle, although this still needs to be confirmed by pathology reports. his doctor, dr. frink who is wonderful, was very optimistic and positive. he said that the washes would be highly effective in preventing recurrences. i just want to say dr. frink is a wonderful urologist. he is not one of those "business as usual" doctors. he's very friendly and warm and down to earth and has a wonderful bedside manner and took time to answer questions and made an extra effort to be reassuring. anyway, my husband had boundless energy only after being home for just a few hours. and was very, very cheerful as earlier in the week he was very irritable and we hardly talked. he likes to be left alone when hes upset. the doctor did warn however that the cancer would not stay non-aggresive forever, it would eventually mutate if he does not quit smoking. i think that has scared my husband into quitting. hes smoked a lot less this week. hes a pack-a-dayer but hes been on the same pack for the last 3 days and is trying to gradually reduce til he ges to 0.

You have my prayers. :)

thanks, i'm so unbelievably sad right now. i'm so scared this is what he's going to die from eventually. i'm trying to be strong but i just want to cry. i didnt really cry when it came back the first 2 times because it was just one nodule but i'm afraid its turning aggressie now! he's been the only stability and happiness and love in my life and i just don't know what to do if i lose him. i know i'm overreacting at this point since the news is so fresh but its so hard to see him upset as he's one of those man's man type. i think i'll feel better once i talk to his doctor friday post-op because i'll be able to read into his facial expressions and attitude about the prognosis. it just boggles my mind that 3 months ago there was nothi ng there and now his bladder is loaded with it. everything was going so good too, we just got out of debt and everything was going so well for us.
Hi. :) I know we don't know each other but I was just looking over your thread and I wanted to tell you that first, I am praying for you and your husband, second, that I am so sorry, and third, I kind of understand what you're going through because I lost my dad last December and he was my greatest source of strength. He was practically the center of my world. He was everything to me, but he was 50 when I was born and he was in his 70s and it was his time. I've really struggled with my faith this past year but God has seen me through it all and I know He'll be there for you and your family. I know it must seem like it at times but you really aren't alone.

I hope everything works out for you and that your husband has a full recovery from his health issues.

i hope everything works out for him :( he'll be in my prayers

I hope everything works out for the best.

:bighug: