“Working intensely, often holding urine for a long time, with blood mixed in when urinating—don’t immediately think this is just the symptom of ‘ordinary cystitis’ because it could be a warning sign of ‘bladder cancer’’. If you notice such abnormal symptoms, you should not be complacent. You should promptly consult a specialist for diagnosis because the earlier bladder cancer is detected, the higher the chance of complete recovery.”
Bladder cancer, early detection makes it less frightening than you think
The word cancer, regardless of the organ it occurs in, often causes patients to worry similarly. Bladder cancer, although not very common, is considered a silent threat because it is often detected late. This is because the initial symptoms resemble cystitis, which is much more common. Without examination by a specialist or suspicion leading to detailed testing, it may go undetected until the cancer has progressed to an advanced stage that is difficult to treat. For Lieutenant Kulnathee Onsri, or P’Bee, head nurse of the UR OPD department, she was very fortunate because the doctor detected the cancer at an early stage, allowing her to receive treatment and control the symptoms well up to the present.
Because the doctor is an expert,
they can see cancer warning signs
that others cannot see
Before P’Bee knew she had bladder cancer, she had experienced cystitis before. When she noticed blood in her urine, she wasn’t worried, thinking it was just cystitis. However, when she saw the doctor, she was advised to undergo a detailed examination, which revealed early-stage bladder cancer.
“Right now, I am in the early stage, so it is still controllable.
I was diagnosed early because of the professor. Even though I am a nurse myself, I never thought it was cancer.
I thought it was chronic urinary tract infection because I was so busy with work.
I didn’t want to get up to go to the bathroom often, so I held it in frequently.
That tends to increase the chance of urinary tract infections.
But the professor said to have a thorough check because I’m over 50 years old.
There is a risk, and it turned out to be true.”
Although saddened,
I must move forward
thus the treatment plan was made
After the doctor found a mass that looked like cancer, surgery was recommended to remove the tissue for biopsy to minimize pain to just one time. The result confirmed it was malignant as the doctor suspected. Even though P’Bee had mentally prepared herself, knowing the risk because many women in her family had cancer, she still felt sad, especially worrying about her child. However, she didn’t stay sad for long because she understood she had to move forward and had a chance to recover since it was detected early.
“When I found out it was bladder cancer, I was stunned and forced a smile, but it didn’t last long.
When I saw my child, I broke down because I worried more about my child, but it was just for a moment.
Then I looked back and thought about how to move forward and plan for the future.
What helped me the most was my family,
colleagues, people around me, and most importantly, the doctor.”
Surgery, medication, follow-up
fighting until fully recovered
P’Bee’s first surgery was also part of the treatment because her bladder cancer was at an early stage. The doctor planned continuous treatment with cystoscopy every 3 months. New tumors were found, requiring two more surgeries. After the third surgery, the doctor chose to continue treatment with medication. Of course, there were side effects from the medication, but the doctor took good care of her. At the latest cystoscopy, no tumors were found.
“I think the cancer itself may not cause us the most suffering.
The real suffering comes from prognosis and living with cancer treatment.
We have to fight the outcomes and side effects.
The doctor is very kind and patient, listens to all our suffering.
Whether to treat or not, the doctor listens,
lets us vent, and comforts us until we get through it every time.
At the latest follow-up, no cancer was found.”
Feeling reassured during treatment
because it feels like we are not just a patient,
but a family member
P’Bee shared her impression of the care she received, which was very important in giving her the strength to keep fighting. Both the doctor and the nurses took good care of her, not just seeing her as a patient but treating her like family or a close elder sister, which made her feel warm and eased her worries.
“The nurses don’t see us as just patients.
They provide full service,
which makes me feel quite warm.
They treat us like relatives.
The doctor also treats us like family.
When they see us, they remember us and can talk to us right away
without having to open the file first.
This really builds our confidence.”
Actually, bladder cancer is not scary if we take good care of ourselves. Prevention is the most important thing. Although it is difficult to prevent, there are practices that can reduce the risk. Therefore, regular annual health check-ups and careful observation of abnormal symptoms are important. When abnormalities are found, do not ignore them; promptly see a specialist. This practice helps screen and reduce the risk of disease or, if cancer does develop, allows early treatment with a higher chance of cure, as in P’Bee’s case who received treatment at an early stage.
Another important factor for cancer patients is morale. Do not worry prematurely but gradually consult a specialist and plan treatment step by step. With good morale and a good treatment plan, the chances of effective treatment and disease control increase. P’Bee left encouraging words for all cancer patients:
“During treatment, I want everyone to live in the present.
Take it step by step, looking at the next step.
Don’t look too far ahead to the last step; it’s too far.
That can make us discouraged. Morale is the most important thing.
I want to send encouragement to all patients
and to all relatives of patients.”
Kulnathee Onsri
Urology and Stone Disease Center
Phyathai 3 Hospital
