Recently we helped Alan and his family go to Arsenal for the day. Alan has had Bladder cancer and we felt it was important to sit down and have a chat and find out more about what lead him to get checked out and find out his symptoms.

What Symptoms did you start to Notice first and what lead you to getting medical help?

I had been getting up quite a lot during the night and struggling to pass water for sometime.  I went to my GP who did blood tests and checked my prostrate which were all fine.  I was referred a urologist specialist at a local clinic and he advised that my bladder wasn’t emptying fully and prescribed medication and advised me to cut out certain types drinks.   I saw this specialist on and off for 4 years.  I had to keep chasing up follow up appointments as kept saying that things weren’t improving.   Then earlier this year I saw him and once again told him things weren’t getting any better and had he just said keep doing what I was doing but I knew something wasn’t quite right and asked if I could have a camera investigation. He was reluctant but I insisted and he then referred me to the hospital.    

Where you able to keep a positive mindset when undertaking all the tests?

Yes as I didn’t for minute think there was anything serious as all the blood tests had come back fine and I wasn’t aware of bladder cancer  symptoms at that time and it didn’t even occur to me that that would be the problem. 

How did you feel when you got the first diagnosis? Was it a shock?

Yes a complete shock.   I can’t recall them actually telling me it was cancer.  All I recall is being told that they thought it was low grade growth/tumour and that it would need to be removed within a couple of weeks so that they could test it etc.  

How did you cope with the treatment?

Fine. Surgery to remove the tumour went well.  We then had a couple of weeks waiting for the results and when we got the results we’re told it was bladder cancer and they had removed all of the tumour but as it was a grade 2 tumour I’m there was an intermediate to high risk of return so they recommend a 6 week course of chemotherapy.    The treatment only took minutes and it was out straight into the bladder via a catheter.   The only real side effect I had was that it made me very tired.   

How did your family cope with the treatment?

Pretty well although my 15 year old is the one that struggled the most.  At the time we given the actual diagnosis he was sitting his mock  GCSE exams.   

What was your lowest point?

I would say when they first found the tumour as it was a complete shock and I still can’t recall everything they told me. 

Anything else you would like to say?

If you feel something isn’t right insist on it being checked.    If the specialist had listened to me sooner then things could have been different as they would have found it sooner.    We know our own bodies.   The dr that told me the results following surgery told me I had saved my own life by insisting on that camera investigation.