"Non-invasive bladder cancer and my treatment"

My experience of non-invasive bladder cancer and my treatment at the Tayside urology centre

I was diagnosed with non- invasive bladder cancer five years ago and have had varied treatments  - all of which work for a period of time but unfortunately the tumours keep returning. I have up to now valued the service particularly the specialist nurses and Allison who has guided me through some difficult times.

This year I have had cystoscopys and treatment in the Perth urology unit which is spacious and attractive. In January I waited one hour for my scope, at Ninewells as usual I was treated promptly for scope and cauterisation.In April, again at In the unit at PRI I waited one hour for my treatment and earlier this month I waited thirty minutes for my scope and what I thought would be the prompt treatment of removal of the new tumour by diathermy. I had met with my specialist nurse in May to share my concerns at the continual regrowths of my tumours and what course of action should be taken. And yesterday, after two months waiting for the outcome of the discussions with the consultant and others in the urology/oncology team my specialist nurse was not there. The scope showed a new tumour and  the  nurse is to inform my specialist nurse of the scope result yesterday. I feel powerless and distressed. the scope experience is uncomfortable and the outcome upsetting.

I do understand that I am one of many and I dislike complaining. But the trust I need to have in the urology team in order to make my own decisions regarding my cancer is eroding.