Follow Up

**jennifer1972** · 10-20-2004, 04:52 AM

Since I went to the urologist last week I have since learned that I do not have IC but my urine cytology came back with abnormal cells. I am scheduled for a ct scan next week to find out if it's cancer or what. I guess they want to rule out stones or tumors............am very nervous about this procedure................don't like the idea of having stuff injected into my veins. Anyone else had this done? Anyways, thanks for all your previous responses. Take care and God Bless!

vm · 10-20-2004, 06:31 AM

I sure hope it isn't cancer. How did the uro rule out IC?

Please make sure to update us again whenyou have more info, OK?

**heiwalove** · 10-20-2004, 07:16 AM

i really hope it isn't cancer.
do you have blood in your urine?
good luck.

***icnmgrjill*** · 10-20-2004, 07:16 AM

{{{{{{{{{ Jennifer **************************

My best friend just had the CT scan you've mentioned... with the IV contrast solution. That's also done with an IVP... which I've had. It gave her a quick hot flash.. but then she was fine. Mine was the same. Best part is that someone is right there during the procedure.... to make sure you're okay!!! So, don't worry, eh??

Would you please let me know how it goes???? The good news about bladder cancer is that it can often be very effectively treated with BCG. You can read about that in Dr. Peter's Guest lecture on our website. BCG has been a bit of a miracle for these patients.

If you smoke, stop ASAP! Smoking is a strong risk factor for developing bladder cancer.

Jill

**Dee74** · 10-20-2004, 07:20 AM

Bless your heart, I hope it's nothing serious.

As for the CT, it's really not bad at all. They will put an IV in your arm and then inject the dye. When they do that, you'll have a sensation of warmth go throughout your body (lol I actually like this since I'm almost always freezing!). You might get a funny taste in your mouth that lasts a few minutes.

I've never had any weird effects from a CT and I've had them many many times.

I'll keep praying for you...

**jennifer1972** · 10-20-2004, 07:41 AM

Thanks for the quick responses.......i did have blood in my urine. It was a lot at first and then it was less and less and 2 of the 6 urine tests i've had done showed none so I don't know. I do smoke and am in the process of quitting. Never thought at 32 with no family history of cancer I would even be going through this even being a smoker. I know whatever happens with the whole cancer thing I will be okay, and it can be treated pretty effectively! Thanks again and I will post next week after I've had my ct.

God Bless!

**Dee74** · 10-20-2004, 07:47 AM

Jennifer, I smoke as well.. I've tried to quit so many times. Cold turkey doesn't work for me and the last time I tried to quit (in March), I found out the hard way that I'm allergic to something in those Nicotene patches. I haven't tried the gum or anything else yet.. and I stress YET. I desperately want to quit.

I'm also having a seriously hard time giving up my coffee. I've drank coffee since I was a teenager. I'm definately a coffee-aholic! I HAVE managed to get myself down to a half a cup a day.. and considering I was drinking about 3 cups or more, that's a heck of an improvement for me. I know that once I'm able to give it up completely, quitting smoking will be a little easier. The two go hand in hand for me.

**heiwalove** · 10-20-2004, 09:01 AM

how can you tell if you have bladder cancer as opposed to IC? blood in the urine? iis a biopsy through cystocopy the only way to tell?

**KristaM** · 10-20-2004, 09:13 AM

Jennifer,
Good luck with your ct scan.. I really hope that it is not cancer as well. i'm sure everything will turn out o.k. Please keep us posted on how you are doing.
Take Care of yourself,
Krista

**jennifer1972** · 10-20-2004, 10:26 AM

thanks again everyone................i feel better about the procedure now that its been explained to me. Dee, I know how you feel. It's sooooooooooo hard to quit. The last time I quit, i quit cold turkey and also cut out caffeine at the same time which i was heavy on also. Well, needless to say, i wound up on my living room floor for 3 weeks and had to go on an antideppresant for anxiety. So, i cant quit cold turkey on the smoking............and the patch doesn't work for me. The gum tastes like crap too so, it's gradual or nothing for me. Although i stayed strong on the no caffeine thing I do struggle with the smoking. Thank you all again and I will keep you all posted!

**theclownster** · 10-20-2004, 05:29 PM

Hi Jennifer! I'm sorry to hear that everythings is up in the air on your diagnosis. The thought of possible cancer can be a very scary thing. How are you doing with all of this?

I just wanted to say, that I will be keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. Good luck with the CT.

Warm Hugs~
Jennifer

***ICNDonna*** · 10-20-2004, 06:57 PM

Just a little hint about the gum --- if you cut the gum piece in two and chew a little bit of your favorite flavor gum with it, it's not bad. And it didn't take me long to get used to the taste of the Nicorette gum and I chewed it by itself. I smoked about two packages a day and was extremely addicted. With the gum I was able to quit and I have been smoke free for something like twenty years now.

I have a friend who quit right after I did --- she saw a hypnotist and it worked for her.

Believe me when I say it was well worth the effort --- quitting is definitely not easy. My bladder felt better, I stopped my morning cough, and have saved a bundle of money that I would be spending on cigarettes.

Sending encouraging hugs,
Donna