Hi Everyone,
I am happy to report after much research and the incredible help from Patricia here at ABLCS...we finally found our surgeon. Dr. Bochner in NY is it!
My husband (the BC patient) and I have learned so much on this forum since newly diagnosed on May 6th.
I can probably recite the steps we have taken in my sleep. I have learned that one of the most imperative steps in the process of Bladder Cancer is to never cut your steps short.
Locating the TOP NOTCH surgeons and Hospitals is IMPERATIVE. Besides that, maintaining a daily notebook listing everyone you talk to..what procedures were done...when, where and what was said is essential to helping you find your way amidst the overwhelming news and information that comes along with being diagnosed with Bladder Cancer.
We began with a local urologist. He did the cystoscopy and TURBT on my husband. Then we sought out local surgeons with hopes that we would not have to be inconvenienced by leaving the state. I can tell all the newly diagnosed... that after taking the trip out of state to NYC and entering a facility that is known for the top notch surgeons ...there is a vast, and I reiterate, a vast difference, in what you will find regarding treatment and care.
We prepared a list of about 40 typed questions which I will gladly share with anyone here, if interested. The PA who first saw my husband before Dr. Bochner arrived, commented how she thought the questions were very good. She thought everyone should bring a list of thorough questions and be certain to have them answered. Our surgeon, Dr. Bochner took his time and answered each and every question. As busy a surgeon as he is, one would have thought we were his only patients. That is how he made us feel with regard to the care, concern and time that he took with us. That is the kind of surgeon everyone needs to have!
It has been a rough road with all of the research...phone calls, emails, picking up slides..doctor's appointments...etc...but nothing brings a better sense of confidence and relief than to know when you have found the BEST!
Thank you for listening. I am here to offer assistance to anyone who would like to know the detailed steps that we took in order to get us to the top surgeon, where we needed to be. Just post your questions...and I will gladly try to answer. I am happy to share our list of questions as well. You all helped me so much...now it is my turn!
Cheryl