Again and again and again

10 years 8 months ago #45030 by RDnKY
Replied by RDnKY on topic Again and again and again
What a great idea to brung your dogs with you! We have to hire a cat sitter for us every time we go down the Nashville.

I think that in another day or two, after the shock wears off, we will be back to our normal optimistic selves. And, thanks for pointing out that removing the bladder might actually keep the cancer from going into the kidney. I hadn't thought about it that way. Thanks!

You guys are great....I can have these conversations with anyone else. Thanks all!

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10 years 8 months ago #45028 by CatherineH
Replied by CatherineH on topic Again and again and again
You have to BELIEVE that you will win the battle. It is understandable that he has been shaken by this latest news. It will take a bit of time to process what that may mean. Then he, you, and Dr. Chang can get about the business of doing what is needed to get him well again!

It's very scary to contemplate. It may mean he will undergo a radical cystectomy, but it would also mean that the source of the cancer will be out of his body which may prevent the cancer from getting to his remaining kidney. Try to look forward to the best possible outcome for any given scenario. That's not easy but you are right... you have to stop letting your mind go to the dark side of bc.

I hear you on the hotel stock. I always stay at Comfort Inn Downtown because they allow pets and have ground floor rooms with outside access. I always have to take my two dogs and my sisters go with me to "dog sit" while I'm at my appointments.

I will be thinking about the two of you. Keep us posted...

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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10 years 8 months ago #45026 by RDnKY
Replied by RDnKY on topic Again and again and again
Thanks Catherine!

We are thinking that we should buy stock in Hampton Inns since we stay at the one just a few blocks from Vanderbilt so often. :-)

I try to stay upbeat and optimistic but yesterday was such a blow. My husband actually looks a bit defeated today, which I have not seen in him through any of the other experiences - even when having his kidney removed. It is so unlike him. But, like you said, we will pull together and fight through this. I just hope that we actually end up winning the battle. It is especially scary since he has only one kidney left, so if his bladder is removed and then the cancer hits his remaining kidney......

Gotta stop going there. Sigh...

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10 years 8 months ago #45025 by CatherineH
Replied by CatherineH on topic Again and again and again
Hello and welcome... I am so sorry to hear of your husband's situation. Being hit with one blow right after another with devastating news like this does leave you unable to breathe or even think clearly.

It is good to know that you ARE at one of the top bladder cancer centers. I also was treated at Vanderbilt and was extremely happy with the care I received. Like you, I live about 300 miles from Nashville but it is more than worth it to make the trip. I still go back there for my follow-up cystoscopies. My doctor is Dr. Cookson, and I have a friend who will be going there next week from Florida to have a radical cystectomy performed by Dr. Clark. Vanderbilt's urology department is currently ranked #10 in the nation with most of their doctors rated among the top 1% in their field.

It does appear your husband's bc is an agressive form since it has returned so quickly. The two of you will have to lean on each other to get through this, but together you will be able to do it. I am very happy you found us and I hope you will come back as often as you need to with questions or to join in any of the other conversations that grab your attention.

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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10 years 8 months ago #45023 by RDnKY
Replied by RDnKY on topic Again and again and again
Hello Sara Anne,

He is receiving care at Vanderbilt in Nashville, Tennessee though we live about 2.5 hours away in a small town in Kentucky. The urologist/surgeon, Dr. Sam Chang, seems to be very well known in the field. In fact, one of his medical students said that he is "famous" in the field of urologic oncology. So, we feel pretty confident with the treatment we have received from him.

And, thanks for reminding me to breathe. It is just hard not to panic given yesterday's news.

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10 years 8 months ago #45021 by sara.anne
Replied by sara.anne on topic Again and again and again
Take a deep breath!! I know how scary this can be. Where are you located geographically? Since your husband's bladder cancer seems very aggressive, it would probably be a good idea to get a second opinion ASAP at a major bladder cancer practice. If we know where you are, we can make suggestions that may be close to your home.

This is a serious, but very treatable, situation. You want the very best medical treatment you can get.

Sara Anne

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