"Bladder tumour treatment"

I was diagnosed, unexpectedly, with a bladder tumour in mid-2018. It turned out to be not just any bladder tumour but a massive bladder tumour. As an otherwise healthy male in my late 50's this came as somewhat of a shock.

I was immediately taken into the NHS system and had my initial operation 6 weeks later. Following this I had a second operation several weeks later to finish off the procedure. It turned out the initial operation had been a massive success and apart from observation and a biopsy no further excision was required. At the end of 2018 my Consultant Urologist decided it would be best to follow a 'belts and braces' protocol of 12 months course of treatment of BCG immunotherapy. Once every 3 months BCG is inserted into the bladder. This evokes an immune response and strips the bladder of a layer of cells to remove any remaining rampant cancer cells that may have evaded previous treatment. During the course of treatment a mix of flexi-cystoscopies and rigid-cystoscopies are carried out to monitor the bladder and ensure everything is going in the right direction.

From beginning to end I have always had the very best of treatment. I have been treated with dignity and respect throughout and kept fully informed of the progress, results and any other issues that required discussing.

As a result of this, I have just received a letter from my Consultant Urologist informing me that my final cystoscopy/biopsy is showing no evidence of cancer and I will be placed on a monitoring programme in future.

I have always felt that I am in good hands. My level of interaction with all members of the team, from initial diagnosis to where I am now has always exceeded my expectations. Never have I felt that anything that either I or my treatment required was too much trouble. There has not been a single moment of hesitation or doubt.

Finally, as a husband, father of 3, grandfather of 1, son and brother I can say not only am I greatly elated and extremely grateful, but my whole family are too!!