New to all of this- perioperative chemo???

I would say McJen you don't wanna jump the gun here wait and find out what the results are from the TUR. One step at a time one day at a time. And you did not mention but as I did you want to be dealing with a top notch hospital for this type of thing. Then you can be sure you have excellent Dr's along with a great pathology Dept. What I'm saying is don't let the Urologist just send you to regular run of the mill hospital pick a good one and never hesitate for a second opinion. Good Luck, Joe

McJen,

Just weighing in because I've been through this. I had my first TUR in January 2006 and the second TUR in March 2006.. My doctor treated me with Mitomycin C at the time of both TUR's. I have not had any recurrance in 1 1//2 years. (I've also had 6, 3 and 3 treatments of BCG. since TUR's)

After all is said and done, I am glad that my doctor gave me the Mitomycin, however, I have since learned that my local Urology Clinic has discontinued it's usage .

It's good that you are asking questions.

Best regards,
Rosemary

Hi,

BCG can't be administered peri-operatively, or any other immunotherapy, because there is a wound in the bladder post-TUR. MMC is a chemo drug, and those are the ones used in this setting. This is for low to intermediate grade tumors. BCG is used for high risk, and is a course of 6 instead of 1 instillation.

This is one it's way to becoming a new standard, but not all doctors agree it's necessary. It delays recurrence, but the benefit wears off within a year or two at most.

Did you read this pages on superficial bladder cancer and intravesical chemo?

Keep asking questions..
All the best,
Wendy

Gee McJen...it kind of depends on where you are and who you are seeing...the expertise of the physcian .. whether you're at a major cancer facility or not...lots of variables. I personally think it doesn't hurt to have a second opinion whatever the diagnosis...most insurance companies pay for that. And you may get a variance on treatment plans. And certainly we here can be of great service to you as we've seen it all...or at least we think we have until a new kink happens. Most urologists are well versed on Prostate problems....sometimes they don't see a lot of BC. You definately want a physician who has seen a lot of BC and if you should have to go the surgical route you absolutely need a surgeon who does a lot of these..A LOT... what part of the country are you in? Pat

Thanks very much, Pat. So, I guess as far as the perioperative part.. we should just go with what this particular surgeon chooses, eh?
If it were diagnosed from this doc to be low-grade/ early stage, do you think it would still be a good idea for a second opinion... just to make sure the pathology reports were accurate??

McJen.....lots of controversy surrounding MMC perioperatively...some do it...some major cancer centers don't. I would wait until the TURB and stage and grade is determined and then it will be easier to weigh in on treatments. BCG seemingly only effects a few moderately...others its devastating. Don't put the cart before the horse. Make sure you are with a uro/surgeon who routinely does this procedure and that the facility has an excellent pathology department. And with a diagnosis of cancer you always want that second or even third opinion.
Good luck to you.....Pat