trying to decide what to do for Grade 3 stage 2b

There are options for combined modalities (tumor removal +chemo + radiation) rather that bladder removal. Look into it on this website:

blcwebcafe.org/combinedmodalities.asp

The link shows some of the statistics and gives you some contact names...

Good luck.

You might want to check to see what the recurance rate is for partial removal. But if it is good I would do partial but my guy says mine is in a bad place for this option. Wishing you the best. Don

Thanks for the info. It seems that I am learning an amazing amount in a very short period. Everyone I talk to says that I have less than 3 weeks to make this major decision, especially dealing with a grade 3 tumor. I am beginning to lean toward partial removal of the bladder (and then if necessary, go back for the rest later). If indeed it is a T2b, I might be able to get away with that. Any thoughts? I'll tell you that the second opinion can't come soon enough!

Hoping all your wishes and dreams come to fruition.......Jim

Ps.....went surfing this morning for the first time in two weeks......sweet waves..... my passion is ready to take this thing on. 8-)

My URO said mine is stage T1 per path report. But he says it is really a T2A and he wants to take out my bladder due to the location it is in. he wants it out asap, My second opinion says with 3 more BCG I can wait. First guy does not want to treat it. So I would thinkin your stage. I would get at least one other opinion if I were you even if you have to go to just anther URO. Good luck please let us know how you are doing and if I can help Ive been going thue this since Feb 3, 06 This is not an exact science he told me 7 percent they remove would have been alright to keep. Don

They just took out a piece of my tumor a week ago Friday. The sergeon told us yesterday it is a grade 4 (old school lingo.....) he meant 3, stage 2 either a or b. He said it is in the lining and muscle, but thinks it is "localized". He wants us to make the decision on the next treatment. We are way overwhelmed and he is not being much help. I am a 58 year old male, high school teacher, in great shape, surfing (waves) everyday, x-smoker and drinker (ten years drug free) .

There seem to be so many options and I don't think I have enough information. I'm hoping to get a second opinion from either UCSF or Stanford, but that may not happen (insurance doesn't cover and may not be able to get in even with cash). How do I go about finding out the exact kind of cancer it is, and is the stage really set or do they need to go in and pull out the bladder.

I'd like to keep all my parts, don't have any spares (Ha!), but just want to be cancer free and live a long healtly life. I'm reading, and reading more, but would appreciate any advice anyone could give me. I'm supposed to come up with an answer by Wednesday. I'd love to take care of this during summer vacation, but still am feeling very lost. Any ideas?

Thanks in advance.......... :o