44 male freaking out - having surgery tomorrow

I'm home now. Surgery went ok - didn't take too long. Dr. told girlfriend that we won't know anything until Friday a.m. when we go to appointment at his office. A little sore right now but hoping to go to work in a couple of days to keep mind occupied. Hard not to "think" so much - wondering and worrying. Thanks for encouragement - helps knowing others have been there and done that!

Mark,

Don't flip out yet! Don't read anything yet! Most cases of bladder cancer are low grade non-invasive cancers that they can just snip out and are pretty much just a nuisance and don't affect lifespan or quality of life.

Wait for the diagnosis/pathology before you start worrying.

Hi,

its kind of freaky to suddenly pee high grade claret! Don't panic I did this for the first time about 7 years ago. I then had a kidney removed 5 years ago and I now have regular TURs I go in for my next one on 5th. November - I should be out again on the 7th. or 8th. and then the next check up aroundFebruary and so it rolls on!

I won't pretend that they don't frighten me and of course it can get to you at times but the best way to deal with it is try to laugh about it and talk about it openly - this helps others and will help you also.

Do try not to let it become an obsession, just a part of life - you have cancer but don't let cancer have you!

Good luck with your operation and I hope all goes well, let us all know how well you are doing as soon as you are back on line - your experience will help the next person down that trail and don't forget your good lady is scared too!

Last Tuesday, I pee'd red! Freaked me out! Went to ER and they did a CT scan which showed a mass in my bladder. Wednesday, went to Urologist. He did a scope and confirmed bladder cancer, size of golf ball! I'm scheduled for surgery tomorrow and scared to death! :o My girlfriend has been reading a lot on the web, says I don't want to know all it has to say until we know stage and grade so I don't freak out even more!