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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsMy friends I have been in this community and love being here. I ask for your prayers and good wishes
I was hit with a double whammy this morning...I have been diagnosed with stage two prostate cancer AND stage one bladder cancer
If you have been through this, please let me know and give me advice...thanks Mike C
2naSalit
(100,952 posts)I hope there are good therapies to help you with those, otherwise, don't know what else to say.
HeartsCanHope
(1,550 posts)Sending healing vibes and love to you and your family.
gopiscrap
(24,590 posts)SheltieLover
(78,202 posts)sheshe2
(96,603 posts)FalloutShelter
(14,276 posts)You got this. Attitude is everything.
brer cat
(27,439 posts)Stay positive and optimistic; it will help your recovery!
Dave says
(5,348 posts)I had bladder cancer 3 decades ago. Had surgery, quick recovery, and no relapse. May it be as easy for you as it was for me.
biophile
(1,303 posts)applegrove
(131,035 posts)We are all in this together, whether we are fighting Trump or cancer.
Staph
(6,460 posts)Stay positive!
Listen to your body - when it says rest, take a nap. If it says "I'm hungry for something unusual", go for it. Your body is trying to tell you what you need.
Listen to your doctors, and if you don't feel comfortable with what they tell you, get a second opinion. I went 150 miles away for that second opinion, and I think it was very wise.
The various treatments that you will endure cause a variety of side effects. It might help to find a support group for your particular types of cancer. (I didn't end up with a support group - all the local groups were dominated by breast cancer patients. They deal with very different problems than I had.)
Stay positive! My first cancer diagnosis was in 2013. I'm surviving and you can, too!
gopiscrap
(24,590 posts)senseandsensibility
(24,401 posts)but sending tons of well wishes and prayers, my friend.
Stay strong, and I am glad that you find strength in the DU community. We'll be here for you.
Demsrule86
(71,518 posts)and there was limited treatment...it is better now. He survived into his 90's and I don't think he died of the cancer...Keep us updated please...
Terry a proud member of your DU family.
blm
(114,458 posts)AllaN01Bear
(28,880 posts)LoisB
(12,554 posts)stay as positive as possible and never give up.
TygrBright
(21,323 posts)stage left
(3,239 posts)going your way.
LittleGirl
(8,973 posts)I go in Monday for my annual cancer check so Im thinking if you . I had surgical removal and no further treatment. Wishing the best for you.
canetoad
(20,399 posts)But sending you the very best wishes and hopes for a full recovery. Cancer treatment is very advanced these days.
Figarosmom
(10,407 posts)In the near future. Sounds like you caught it early.
alwaysinasnit
(5,569 posts)know if this is relevant or even helpful, but I was just reading an article written by Robert Reich where he provides background info on his own prostate health (https://www.rawstory.com/robert-reich-2675104713/). This is the study his doctor references.
https://www.mrcctu.ucl.ac.uk/studies/all-studies/p/patch-pr09/
Grim Chieftain
(1,408 posts)Stay strong and have a positive attitude. We're with you.
70sEraVet
(5,347 posts)Hope all goes well with treatment and recovery.
jmbar2
(7,779 posts)I cannot imagine what you are feeling after such dire news, but glad that you reached out to the community.
People more knowledgeable than me will be able to offer sound advice and useful tips for getting through this. Any time a member of the DU community is struggling, we all feel it.
Keep us posted as you see fit.
LNM
(1,242 posts)Prostate cancer about 12 years ago. Surgically removed and a full recovery. Bladder cancer in the last 18 months. Initial surgery to remove small cancerous lesions, then 3 treatments after to stop anything that was missed in surgery. 1 more surgery to grab a suspicious lesion, then 3 more treatments. So far everything seems good to him but will have a post-surgery follow-up next week.
Best of luck to you and as a side-note, Ive always loved your name.
malaise
(294,130 posts)Clouds Passing
(7,446 posts)Breast cancer here. 15 years c free. 🤞🏼
OAITW r.2.0
(31,730 posts)Medicine is amazing today. Hope you get the right level of care, my friend.
mountain grammy
(28,804 posts)For what it's worth I have two friends who had the same diagnosis a few years ago. Both alive and well today!
You are in my thoughts..
mr715
(3,230 posts)Stay strong. You matter.
berniesandersmittens
(13,126 posts)Take care of yourself and know that you have a whole community of folks here who care about you.
Sending you light and peace
iemanja
(57,611 posts)My thoughts are with you.
calimary
(89,289 posts)Ive seen friends battle cancer - and some of em actually do win!
So Id like to focus on that aspect of the story. Cancer CAN be beaten, or at least be put off for awhile. And sometimes its for a long while!
Nigrum Cattus
(1,250 posts)they will "scrap" the tumor to remove it
you will have a catheter with a urine bag for 7-10 days
they may go back in 2 months later for a biopsy, they did me
depending on type of tumor you may get BCG infusions
start taking BroccoMax supplement for the prostate
https://www.allstarhealth.com/f/jarrow-broccomax_(30mg).htm
https://www.lifeextension.com/protocols/cancer/prostate-cancer-treatment
https://www.hypnosisdownloads.com/search/g/cancer?filter=download&0.5100472618214922
highplainsdem
(60,791 posts)good now, so much better than it was decades ago. You'll get through this.
Dear_Prudence
(1,112 posts)The first time I had breast cancer, I relied on a book entitled "Just get me through this" and the second time I had bc, I relied on a book, "What the fuck just happened?" So, different advice helps at different times. Whatever works for you is ok. If you need support, keep asking until your needs are met. Some people will seem non-responsive; they might not have the bandwidth. My sister only called once during the first bout; I found out years later she was afraid her tears would discourage me. My brother never called, but I found out years later he wears a pink ribbon tee shirt on Fridays for me. So, some people can provide rides or meals or company; some, like my siblings, are sending 'good vibes.' Well, I am so sorry you are going thru this. You take care now.
Bluejeans
(144 posts)My PSAs stair-stepped higher since 2010, so I've been under active surveillance with PSAs every 6 months, at times DREs, and four prostate biopsies (all 4 negative). In Dec 2026, my PSA number had jumped to 9, so the nurse and doctor coaxed me into a fifth prostate biopsy. The doctor took 16 samples and cancer was found in sample # 16.
In a matter of a day, I was put on medication and scheduled for a CT scan. The CT scan found just one instance of cancer---right where sample # 16 was taken. It appears my cancer, Gleason Score 8, had just developed in the weeks before. I went through 30 radiation therapy sessions and was put on Eligard. Eligard takes your testosterone down to zero, cutting off "the fuel" for any cancer which eluded the radiation therapy. Here I am in February 2026 with my PSA near zero, meaning between the radiation therapy and the Eligard, the cancer was stopped in its tracks. The oncologist told me he won't use the "cure word" yet, but my prognosis is "excellent". I have another year to go on the Eligard, but things are looking very good.
My advice is to fight cancer with all you've got in you and any help the doctors and nurses can bring to bear. You can beat this bastard!
You may want to say a few words to St. Sharbel, the medical miracle worker], asking for assistance in beating this cancer. (It can't hurt, especially when he's a 4th cousin on mine!) https://www.familyofsaintsharbel.org/miracles.html
Good luck!
Tranquil72
(22 posts)Stay positive and follow doctors instructions. Good chance youll be fine.
hamsterjill
(17,184 posts)The only advice that I can give is to be your own best advocate. I've had a sibling going through multiple types of cancer. We've found that it helps to keep everything written down. Notes on visits, medications, etc.
She has so many different doctors that they sometimes prescribe against one another. So, it's always best to learn as much as you can about your own situation, be informed, and don't be shy about speaking up and INSISTING that you get the correct care.
That said, I sincerely wish you the very best. I wish you strength, peace and love.
dawgdan
(39 posts)Mike C.
I am a prostate cancer survivor having had my prostate removed when I was 50. I am now 73 and cancer free. Best of luck and I will be praying for you.
OldBoss
(73 posts)I had RARP for prostate cancer two weeks ago today. GG2 3+4=7, PIRADS 5, pT3a.
Your cancer is very treatable and you have plenty of treatment options. Id suggest considering a cancer Center of Excellence if possible. Also consider talking to Medical Oncologist, Urologic Oncologist, and Radiation Oncologist and balance your plan with quality of life goals.
TexLaProgressive
(12,702 posts)you have my prayers. It's pretty daunting. I had the best surgeons and oncologist.
For the prostate surgery was all I needed, no spread from the gland.
For the bladder cancer I had 3 rounds of ddMVAC chemo. The tumors shrunk to undetectable. The pathologist found 2 mm cancer in the muscle but all lymph glands clear.
As a precaution I did 12 months of immunotherapy. I've had 8 circulating tumor dna test all negative.
I think you will have a Urostomy since both bladder and prostate. It's not the end of the world.
bagimin
(1,673 posts)I'm still here. I had external beam radiation for 6 weeks and hormone deprivation therapy. It's a bitch, but I want to see drumph dead.
Timewas
(2,681 posts)I have beed dealing with stage one bladder cancer for about 10 years now, will start my third round of chemo Monday... if it stays at stage one as it is treated it can be held ok with constant checkups and maybe some small tumers being removed mostlly by burning the off with a laser in office procedures.Some get it under control and can go along fine for many years..The checkups are not fun but fairly tolerable, I do not have a diagnosed prostrate cancer but have known several that did, they went through a prostratectomy and healed and moved on to pretty normal lifes...
Insist on checkups pretty often I have found that to work best for me... they can find them small and take care of them in the office and ot go to OR for TURB (trans uretheral bladder resection) sounds worse than it is have had that 4 times so far..
Best of luck to you
Joinfortmill
(20,499 posts)double mastectomy a few months ago. It's amazing what they can do. I prayed for you, can't hurt, right? Take care. Keep us informed.
debm55
(57,778 posts)Biopsy was given , They rated it on the Gleason scale which was a 9 which is equal to a stage 2. His PSA test also was high. Since his cancer did not metastasize His oncologist went with the radiation treatment instead of the Chemo, Rich got radiation and hormone therapy. Be aware that the that the radiation therapy has a 2-3 day set up. Bowels must be empty or they will not do the radiation. I went with my husband every day for a month. He is now taking a hormone(female} treatment that he takes daily. Rich, also gets his urine and blood work done twice a month. The onocologist said after 5 years it will not come back. I am sorry you have this news given to you . It is a terrible blow. He is still tired and not as energetic as he once was.But I don't care as I love him. I would like to give you a hug, You can do it I will include you in my prayers tonight. You, like my husband are fighters. you will survive, you are strong and you are loved. DUmail me for more info, Rich's second anniversary is coming up in June. Bless you my friend
Solly Mack
(96,640 posts)chowder66
(11,990 posts)Permanut
(8,130 posts)May you get all the best care and a complete recovery.
Ms. Toad
(38,406 posts)Breast cancer (stage 1, grade I) in 2016. Sarcoma (stage 1/2 (we don't know for sure, since it came out in 2 separate surgeries - so size is unknown) grade II) in 2020)
NED (no evidence of disease) for both, 5 and 9.5 years out. I'm discharged from surveillance for breast cancer - just routine annual mammograms. Still under surveillance for sarcoma (a much more aggressive cancer). CT or X-ray (for metastasis surveillance), plus local palpation every year (it just shifted to annual, from every six months.
Do your own research in medical journals so you can anticipate, rather than react, to whatever your doctor says. It makes it easier to ask questions during the visit with follow-up questions (rather sending notes after the visit).
Advocate for yourself. Medical care these days is one size fits all, unless you demand they treat you as an individual.
Don't be afraid to fire a team that is not a good for. I fired my first breast cancer team because they wanted me to go along and not rock the boat - even when their incompetence was costing me time and money. I shifted primary post surgery surveillance for my sarcoma, because my second opinion (within the same team) was a better care philosophy match for me.
Figure out what you want/need and ask others to adjust to it. Staying home after a partial mastectomy was much more stressful than watching others (who were trying to protect me) try to do my job. When they couldn't adapt to my requests to ask me, before acting and messaging things up, I came back early. That's how I'm wired. However you're wired, let people know and expect them to adapt. You need to be the center of the universe for now.
Good luck.
Deuxcents
(25,994 posts)Celerity
(53,994 posts)purr-rat beauty
(1,083 posts)I understand the news is scary and it sucks, but if you hold out hope and let the process work, you'll emerge from this humbled, grateful, and amazed.
And....it's ok to cry and be angry, scared, apprehensive, unsure, and any other feelings that will touch you.
I love my oncology team, they were so kind and supportive. I am still not out of the clear, a few years of appts ahead of me but thank God that medicine, science, and caring people exist
I am sorry this is happening, you are not alone!
Keep your head up
And your spirit higher
GoodRaisin
(10,803 posts)A close friend recently got that news who has been fighting lymphoma. You can beat it.
CountAllVotes
(22,133 posts)Try to do the best you can Mike.
I don't know what else to write.
JMCKUSICK
(5,512 posts)All of our hearts will cushion yours
waterwatcher123
(488 posts)JohnnyLib2
(11,314 posts)But I see many reasons for encouragement in the many responses. Many here value your input and wish you the best.
My wife is a 41 year cancer survivor and we remember the oncologist saying "welcome to the wild world of cancer." You'll find more and more in this club.
mwmisses4289
(3,541 posts)CaptainTruth
(8,076 posts)TBF
(35,975 posts)we will all be pulling for you!
DET
(2,409 posts)
and with treatment hes still here 6 1/2 years after diagnosis. PSA is undetectable and metastases have disappeared. Unfortunately, stage four PC is not considered curable, unlike the earlier stages. I know it doesnt seem like it, but in many ways youre lucky - your cancer was caught early, which means that you have an excellent prognosis. Youll be closely monitored in the future and you have many options for treatment.
Treatment for PC depends on the stage, type, and aggressiveness of the cancer. My husband has had radiation and aggressive hormone treatment (chemical castration). It has not been easy, to put it mildly, but it beats the alternative. Your treatment should be much easier.
My best advice would be to see a medical oncologist who specializes in genitourinary cancers, preferably at a cancer center of excellence. Do your research and ask lots of questions. Advocate for yourself and dont be intimidated.
I know the shock of hearing a cancer diagnosis, but you will almost undoubtedly be around for many years to come. I wish you the best.
Wicked Blue
(8,712 posts)May you heal quickly and completely
Marie Marie
(11,039 posts)Both men lived years and years beyond their diagnosis. One died of heart failure at 96 and the other is still alive and kicking. May you outlive us all.
Wifes husband
(714 posts)I have been fighting this for nine years. They have developed amazing surgery, radiation and drugs.I have had several major surgeries, laser treatments, continuous bladder irrigation, radiation, hyperbaric oxygen treatments, very serious bladder infections. I am taking an unpleasant cancer pill every day and a monthly injection. I have had the bladder removed and now have a urostomy bag. It has not been fun, but I am currently in remission.
You can get through this. Do whatever your doctors tell you to do. You might want to consider staying off the internet about this. Every case is different and you have to find doctors you can trust. You are going to go thorough some challenging times, but take it one day at a time. It is a beautiful world, and you have my very best wishes.
róisín_dubh
(12,260 posts)He had surgery and still enjoys his life. I think it was about 10 years ago. Im so sorry for you. My partner has prostate cancer but it was caught super early, so were exploring options for treatment.
May the road ahead be smooth for you and I wish you well
