Bladder tumor

I share your frustration and fear. I was diagnosed last year in April at 57 years old with non invasive hi grade bladder cancer by a local uro my wife had been going to for the last 25 years. They took a biopsy to confirm and recommended a follow up surgery. I opted for a 2nd opinion and was lucky enough to get to see a great surgeon (Dr Bernard Bochner) in New York at memorial Sloan Kettering. He did a. 2nd thorough 2nd biopsy in mid April 6 weeks later I did 6 weeks of bag treatments. The effects were not bad the first time around. Next step was a scope very 3 months beginning in September , December (dr noticed small irritated spot) and then back in March. At that last scope he decided for another biopsy which came back positive but very superficial. I continued with regular scopes and discussed and just started 3year bcg maintenance. Once a week for 3 weeks 4 times a year for year one, 3 weeks 4 times year 2, then 3 weeks 2 times year 3. I look at it as a blessing to have options that allow me a normal way of life. The fear is gone but frustration comes and goes. No pity party. To get to a point you made about treatments..... I found as long as you have a local urologist that you're comfortable with and a short drive do it. I live in Connecticut and go for treatments 5 mins from home. Back and forth to New York would not change the outcome. Following all recommended protocols leaves us in a very fortunate position. As time goes on you will come to terms with it. My family has been a tremendous help. Stay strong and best of luck.

Alan - I contacted Dr. Svatek's office and asked about getting a second opinion. They said sure but probably would have to see his associate since Dr. Svatek is very busy doing surgeries but that he supervised all of his associates. I assume this is a non-issue? What do you think? I actually was planning doing this after my next TUR (sched. Dec. 8) and Path report. Before the proposed BCG.

Thanks so much, Lillian! I will call UHC and see what they say about a second opinion. I was hoping for even better news but I am very thankful that at this point it appears to be superficial.

This whole thing just came from nowhere. I feel so good and have made a concerted effect to stay as healthy as possible. Boom! You never know what's coming to get ya!

I can't tell everyone how much I appreciate your feedback. Without this forum and the knowledge that everyone shares (based on personal experience) I would really be mostly in the dark about so much. It allows me to learn, plan, and prepare for my future. Very thankful!

David,

I understand your concern about path reports. This is my own take on pathology reports.

If anything in the path report indicates anything other than an absence of cancer, based on sufficient sampling, I want to know how the (uncertain) findings will be addressed.

I am tired of my path reports always containing phrases such as:
"most consistent with"
"Is felt to indicate the possibility"
"does not appear to qualify as"
"is best considered as"
"could support an impression of"

I would like straight forward path reports. I do not expect to see them.

Best
Jack