Hannah's story

My dad's experience with bladder cancer and my advice for others in a similar position.

When Hannah’s dad was diagnosed with muscle invasive bladder cancer earlier this year, her world turned upside down. Luckily, Hannah’s job as a Medical Secretary within a Urology Department meant she was #BladderCancerAware and able to quickly get her dad the support he needed. Since his treatments, and with the help of her family and colleagues, Hannah has been a vocal advocate for increased bladder cancer awareness in her local area, whilst also raising a huge £4,000 for Fight Bladder Cancer.

We spoke to Hannah about why this cause is so important to her.

 

My dad’s experience with bladder cancer

My dad had a couple of episodes of blood in his wee and decided to do a urine sample at his GP. This came back showing haematuria and he was then referred to Bournemouth Hospital for a flexible cystoscopy. I remember receiving a call from him on 4th May, a day I will never forget, when he said “I’ve had it done … they have found a tumour.”

"In that split second my world turned upside down in an instant."

 

When he had his TURBT, we found out the unthinkable and could have never been prepared for what was next. Stage three muscle invasive bladder cancer. How could this very active, fit and healthy 61-year-old man be told that he had one of the most aggressive types of bladder cancer, after only having had a bit of blood in his urine and no other symptoms? Dad has been incredibly stoic and is the strongest person I know. He has had three rounds of chemotherapy and will have the next stage of chemoradiotherapy in October. He was presented with this or surgery as his two options and opted for the treatment to start with, which will hopefully save him losing his bladder. Of course, we all remain positive and open minded on what comes next. I’ve been Dad’s advocate for any questions he needs answering and helped him reach out to his team down in Bournemouth, who have been incredible.

I think the hardest part is never believing that it will be your family affected. I work with cancer patients every day in my job (and in the hospice where I volunteer) which I find incredibly rewarding - but I was never prepared for my own Dad being diagnosed and knowing how to deal with all the emotions myself for this awful disease. We have always been a very close family and even though I don’t live with my parents anymore, I speak to them every day. This has brought us even closer.

 

How did you first come across our organisation?

I found out about Fight Bladder Cancer through work. I found their patient information books in the hospital and ordered some online for my dad. I then came across the FBC Facebook page/forum and helped my parents to join the group so they could reach out to people going through a similar experience.

 

Why do you believe bladder cancer needs more awareness?

Due to working in Urology in the NHS, I had luckily heard of bladder cancer before Dad was diagnosed. But the amount of people I have spoken to since fundraising who didn’t even realise bladder cancer was a thing speaks volumes. So many people don’t realise the impact bladder cancer can have on your life and don’t know which signs and symptoms to look out for.

"Blood in urine can be one of many things, but it is one of the most common symptoms of bladder cancer and yet so many men and women ignore this."

 

We thought Dad had his cancer caught quickly, but it can go undetected for years, so we have no idea how long the tumours were growing inside of him. Luckily with being aware of the symptoms and acting quickly, he will hopefully beat this disease.

 

Why did you choose your activities to fundraise for Fight Bladder Cancer?

I have always loved charity work and I’ve been doing the Race for Life every year since 2007 for my Grandad, who lost his battle to Leukaemia in 2005. Now at age 26, I’ve completed 16 races along with my mum. As soon as I came to terms with Dad’s diagnosis and its impact on us all, I knew in my heart that I wanted to raise as much awareness and money as possible for FBC. I have raised over £4,000 and I know this will go towards new treatments, research and saving more lives. FBC has an amazing community of people who have really helped us, as a family, during the hardest days. FBC have reminded me that we are not alone in this and that we will get so much support along the way.

 

What advice do you have for others affected by bladder cancer?

"My advice is to never disregard symptoms and don’t be scared to get yourself checked when experiencing bladder cancer symptoms, it could save your life."

I would also advise people to not panic, get all the facts, sit with medical teams and talk through everything before worrying yourself sick. Worrying won’t change the outcome, it is scary, but what I’ve realised with Dad’s diagnosis is that there are so many treatments available and that every individual is different. Be strong and trust the specialists. There are many others in your position and the best way to cope is to discuss any worries with loved ones and be positive.

 

Hannah has also appeared on the Clinical Audit and Improvement Podcast with her colleagues, discussing the need for improved patient support. You can listen here. 

 

Thank you to Hannah for sharing your story. If you would like to share yours, please get in touch.

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