Firstly, what a wonderful forum. I have read many, many posts and feeling better about this diagnosis.
I am a 57 year old female, non-smoker with no previous medical issues.
It has been less than 6 weeks from my first urology appointment to now having my pathology exam and a course of action. This included 2 delays in the TURB date - so it seems I am on a fast track.
Simply, I am stunned by this diagnosis.
That being said, I am now thinking more clearly and researching to become an informed patient for my next appointment May 11, 2018.
From the pathology report: Invasive papillary urothelial carcinoma, high grade with sqamous, "least pt1"
From the CT scan - the cancer has not spread to any other organs, though it was a fairly large tumor - in the words of my boy centered household - the size of a lacrosse ball or a peach.
Last Thursday I had TURB, a stent inserted and they did BCG for an hour.
Monday morning the pathology report returned, I spoke with my Urologist and was told I needed to have radical cystectomy surgery, scheduled ASAP. Told this is a treatable disease with a surgical cure. Consulting with my Urologist we decided on a new doctor and he made the introductions.
Tuesday (yesterday?, things are a bit of a blur) my new Doctor (communicating via my current Urologist) wants to start Neo-Adjuvant Therapy - schedule a second TURB within the next 3 weeks, 3 rounds of chemo followed by the radical cystectomy.
All of the information till yesterday I was told this was a surgical disease and would be treated as such.
My current Urologist stated this was a 'controversial' therapy and some consider this over treatment of the patient.
I am hopeful that someone here maybe able to shed some light on this change in direction. Perhaps have some experience they could share or links I could follow.
Thank you in advance for any guidance you can offer and this wonderful site that has helping me navigate this new world.
Jen