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4 years 9 months ago #57846 by sara.anne
Replied by sara.anne on topic Numb...
Cystoscopy after the TURB is just to monitor it. Very few urologists would take a biopsy unless you are under general anesthesia...OUCH!! I did have one very small sample taken when he was sure that it was probably BCG-cystitis irritation, but a real normal sized sample, no.

Sara Anne

Diagnosis 2-08 Small papillary TCC; CIS
BCG; BCG maintenance
Vice-President, American Bladder Cancer Society
Forum Moderator
The following user(s) said Thank You: KS

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4 years 9 months ago #57844 by KS
Replied by KS on topic Numb...
What happens when a post-op scope is done after healing? Does the MD just look to see if it all looks normal or do they take another sample to see if the cancer cells are present? If none are present, does it turn into a " monitor" situation? What is the protocol?

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4 years 9 months ago #57820 by KS
Replied by KS on topic Numb...
]It is non invasive

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4 years 9 months ago #57819 by JohnFrat
Replied by JohnFrat on topic Numb...
Sara, I fully agree. Did KS say it was non-invasive? If he did, then my comments do not apply.

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4 years 9 months ago #57809 by sara.anne
Replied by sara.anne on topic Numb...
High grade, non-invasive bladder cancer is often very treatable. I am a case study of this...now 11 years out and no recurrance. IF in such a case radical cystectomy is recommended, I would really want to know why. In fact my urologist stated that if it ever came to such a recommendation he would INSIST that I seek a second opinion elsewhere.

Radical cystecomy is a life-changing situation, complicated surgery, and should be avoided until all other options are discarded. That being said, IF the cancer has invaded the bladder lining I would not hesitate. Too many people seem to treasure their bladders over life!

This is a personal decision and not one to take without exploring all the options.

Sara Anne

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

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4 years 9 months ago #57808 by JohnFrat
Replied by JohnFrat on topic Numb...
My sense is that, while it is certainly better that it not have entered the muscle, the very nature of the cancer itself is the issue. Thus, though a particular cancer has not invaded the muscle, it may not be the ultimate factor dictating treatment. It certainly was not with my wife. Hers was high grade aggressive and appeared to be T1. Yet, they very strongly recommended radical cystectomy.

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