My husband was just diagnosed help with options.

7 years 8 months ago - 7 years 8 months ago #51568 by DougG
Doug and I are both impressed with Dr. Barocas. Glad you got an appointment with him quickly.

Anita
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7 years 8 months ago #51566 by CatherineH
Replied by CatherineH on topic My husband was just diagnosed help with options.
That is great news. Please let us know how the appointment goes.

Best wishes... Catherine

TURBT 1/21/10 at age 55
Dx: T2aN0M0 Primary Bladder Adenocarcinoma
Partial Cystectomy 2/25/10
Vanderbilt Medical Center
Nashville, TN

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7 years 8 months ago #51563 by BB62
Update we have an appointment at Vanderbilt 8/2 with Dr. Boracas

I'm so glad I found this site.

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7 years 8 months ago - 7 years 8 months ago #51544 by CatherineH
Replied by CatherineH on topic My husband was just diagnosed help with options.
Hi again... I did not have total bladder removal, but just a small section of my bladder that was the tumor site was removed. That is called a partial cystectomy. That procedure has very strict guidelines as to which cases are appropriate for that option.

There are so many variables that play into post-cystectomy recovery such as patient overall health, the skill and experience of the surgeon, final path report, post-op complications, possible infections, and on and on. Every person is unique and responds in their own way. It is just not good for your mental state to speculate too much before talking to the urologist who will be treating your husband. It sounds like you're not at that decision point quite yet, but it is good that both you and he want to know as much as you can about it to help make the right choice.

I suggest you start writing down all your questions as they come to mind and take that list with you at his next appointment. With your husband's pathology background, he will also be able to ask very pointed questions. Generally speaking, with early intervention and treatment, bladder cancer is highly survivable. Many of us here can attest to that. There are also several on here who have had bladder removal and lead very full lives.

Right now I would say the most important thing is to pick the hospital and doctor where he wishes to be treated and get to that first appointment. I think that will give you more comfort knowing that he will be in good hands as the two of you go through this process.

Best wishes... Catherine

TURBT 1/21/10 at age 55
Dx: T2aN0M0 Primary Bladder Adenocarcinoma
Partial Cystectomy 2/25/10
Vanderbilt Medical Center
Nashville, TN
The following user(s) said Thank You: BB62

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7 years 8 months ago #51543 by BB62
So the survival rate after bladder removal is pretty good? My husband is worried about complications after bladder removal. He is a Pathologist btw so imagine the irony. Sigh
He can answer pathology questions though.

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7 years 8 months ago #51542 by CatherineH
Replied by CatherineH on topic My husband was just diagnosed help with options.
Hello BB62... I'm very sorry to hear about your husband's diagnosis. It's a devastating blow to hear those words, and unfortunately, most of us here have heard them. You are doing the right thing by searching for options and the best care possible. We are not doctors here, so cannot really answer your question about going straight to bladder removal. That is a question for a bc specialist who sees many cases per year.

I was diagnosed locally in Bristol,then referred to Vanderbilt due to having one of those tumors in the "rare" category. I had a partial cystectomy performed at Vanderbilt in Feb. 2010, and I still go back there for my followup care. So far I am cancer free after six years.

I don't know anything about Moffit, but I am very pleased with the care I received by the Vanderbilt doctors and staff. Dr. Chang, Dr. Smith, Dr. Barocas, and Dr. Clark specialize in Urologic Oncology. My surgeon left Vanderbilt in 2012 (est.) to accept the Head of Urology at Oklahoma University, his hometown. I now see Dr. Clark. His nurse said he does a lot of surgical procedures at the nearby VA Hospital, as well as at Vanderbilt. I would be confident in any of them. Here is a link to their website where you can look at ratings and some patient comments.

Vanderbilt Urology

I wish you the best in your pursuit to find the right doctor who is the best fit for your husband.

Best wishes... Catherine

TURBT 1/21/10 at age 55
Dx: T2aN0M0 Primary Bladder Adenocarcinoma
Partial Cystectomy 2/25/10
Vanderbilt Medical Center
Nashville, TN
The following user(s) said Thank You: BB62

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