Husband DX with bladder cancer

8 years 4 months ago #49932 by Alan
Replied by Alan on topic Husband DX with bladder cancer
Thanks for posting the update. We all learn from each other! While Chemo is commonly done before a cystectomy I was encouraged to read about your doctors cross referencing/talking plus ya'll taking things in your own hands with the oncologist. It all makes sense to me! Good luck and keep our board advised!

DX 5/6/2008 TAG3 papillary tumor .5 CM in size. 2 TURBS followed by 6 instillations of BCG weekly with a second round of 6 after a 6 week wait.
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8 years 4 months ago #49931 by wifeofmike
Replied by wifeofmike on topic Husband DX with bladder cancer
My husband had his appointment with the Urologic Oncology surgeon at Fox Chase Cancer Center today. The surgeon suggested 3 chemo treatments before surgery. He said even though there is no evidence of the cancer outside of the bladder they like to do the chemo treatments first. He spoke with the Hematolgoy/Oncology doctor and we went right over to see him. He reviewed all Mike's records and history and because of Mike's kidney disease, he felt the chemo would do more harm than good. Both doctors talked afterwards and decided to go with the surgery first, and if need be, chemo could always be done later. So now Mike will have a CT scan of the chest and a 24 hour urine collection. After those results are in, they will schedule surgery.
We both feel so much better now. At least now we feel that we are moving forward. The surgeon explained the whole surgery and the options for urinary diversion. He showed us where the stoma would be and he drew pictures of the bladder and showed where the cancer was.

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8 years 4 months ago #49885 by GKLINE
Replied by GKLINE on topic Husband DX with bladder cancer
Welcome and Sorry at the same time.
Your surgeon for bladder removal needs to be an assembly line worker surgeon and not an "all around" artistic surgeon.
The guy or gal who has seen hundreds and even thousands of these is your choice.

By the way, I had mine removed seven years ago and I'm still here. Go with the "get it out of here" choice. it's the correct decision.


George

Light a man a fire and he is warm for an evening.
Light a man ON fire and he's warm forever.

08/08/08...RC neo bladder
09/09/09...New Hip
=
New Man! [/size]

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8 years 4 months ago #49880 by Alan
Replied by Alan on topic Husband DX with bladder cancer
Wife of Mike,

The only thing I would add is be sure whoever does the surgery does at LOT of these. So many practices see mostly prostatic cancer. We are talking 50+ or more cystectomys a year or one that is all they do. I second what madlove posted, preferably a major cancer or teaching hospital.

DX 5/6/2008 TAG3 papillary tumor .5 CM in size. 2 TURBS followed by 6 instillations of BCG weekly with a second round of 6 after a 6 week wait.
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8 years 4 months ago #49879 by MadLove
Replied by MadLove on topic Husband DX with bladder cancer
Dear wifeofmike,

I'm glad you found the forum but am sorry for the circumstances that bring you here. The contributors have been very helpful to me as the wife.

Getting a second opinion or surgical treatment, preferably from a major cancer treatment center that sees lots of bladder cancer patients, is a good decision.

My husband's diagnosis was non-muscle invasion carcinoma in situ (CIS) and his treatment so far has included three TURBT's and 9 rounds of BCG.

We were going to work with a local urologist in our rural county who performed the initial cystoscopy. While that doctor was on a planned absence before the first scheduled TURBT, we learned more about treatment of bladder cancer and realized we needed a specialist.

We gladly drive two hours one way to Johns Hopkins and have full confidence in his bladder cancer specialist. Choosing the best care provider for us has provided me with peace of mind.

It may be the best thing for your husband's treatment that you will be working with a new doctor, hopefully one that treats lots of bladder cancer patients.

Best wishes for you and your husband.

Husband's journey:
01/2015 1st cystoscopy
03&04/2015 TURBTs-CIS
07/2015 Finished BCGx6
08/2015 biopsy-BENIGN!
10/2015 Finished BCGx3
12/2015 Cysto, redness
01/2016 TURBT, Benign
04/2016 Cysto
05/2016 Finished BCGx3
07&11/2016 Cysto's
1/2017 Finished BCGx3
2/2017 Cysto, redness
3/2017 TURBT, Cysto due 9/2017
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8 years 4 months ago #49878 by wifeofmike
Replied by wifeofmike on topic Husband DX with bladder cancer
Thank you for your help. My husband and I have discussed different options with that surgery. I know the final decision is between him and his surgeon. I will help him with his choice of urinary diversion in any way I can.
I have researched about bladder cancer since we got his diagnosis, and this site has been the most helpful.
I will keep researching and posting with any questions.
Thanks again!

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