Husband Recently Diagnosed

11 years 7 months ago #42753 by jaxmad13
Replied by jaxmad13 on topic Husband Recently Diagnosed
Hi Sara Anne! I am sorry too and never expected this diagnosis. We are actually being referred to Dr. Michael O'Donnell and I'm glad to hear that he is one of the top bladder cancer surgeons. Our urologist spoke highly of him. I will make a note of these questions along with some others that I have. I would really like to know how long this tumor has been growing but I'm sure they can't really tell me that. His tumor was the size of a small apple and I would just be interested.

Thank you so much and I will be doing my reading before and after we go. :)

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11 years 7 months ago #42752 by sara.anne
Replied by sara.anne on topic Husband Recently Diagnosed
WOOPS...I was just so pleased to see that you had been referred to U of Iowa, that I wrote my reply to you as if YOU were the patient. (Disclaimer...I was on the faculty there for 10 years...NOT Urology)

So, you will be the one taking the notes! Your support will be so important at this time.

Sara Anne

Diagnosis 2-08 Small papillary TCC; CIS
BCG; BCG maintenance
Vice-President, American Bladder Cancer Society
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11 years 7 months ago #42751 by sara.anne
Replied by sara.anne on topic Husband Recently Diagnosed
I am very sorry that you had to join our group, but WELCOME. You are very fortunate to have a doctor who would refer you to the Univ. of Iowa. Dr. Michael O'Donnell there is one of the top bladder cancer surgeons in the country! He has even been recognized
as one of the top docs in the country by US News and World Report. He would be an excellent choice.

It might be a good idea to take someone with you to take notes and add their impressions to yours after your visit. There is just so much to take in.

Probably the most important questions to ask concern the treatment plan set for you. Would they recommend chemo before surgery and why/why not? What type of diversion do they recommend in your case and why?

There is a LOT of information on this website and reading some of it will lead to more questions, I am sure. Perhaps some of it would be better understood after your visit.

Best of luck to you, and know that you have been sent to a really great place.

Sara Anne

Diagnosis 2-08 Small papillary TCC; CIS
BCG; BCG maintenance
Vice-President, American Bladder Cancer Society
Forum Moderator

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11 years 7 months ago #42750 by jaxmad13
Husband Recently Diagnosed was created by jaxmad13
I just have a question. My husband has recently been diagnosed with High Grade Urothelial Carcinoma, Predominant Solid Pattern, with Extensive Lamina Propria Invasion. We will be meeting with another doctor, suggested my our local urologist, at the University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics on August 14th and I'm wondering what kinds of questions to ask this doctor when we go in. Our urologist has told us that that my husband has to have his bladder removed due to the tumor and cancer being in the bladder wall and if he doesn't it will grow back.

Any help or suggestions you can give me would be great.

Thank you!

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