My diagnosis

Maria there is an excellent center right by you..the H.Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Inst at the Univ. of S. Florida in Tampa.
www.moffitt.usf.edu/Site.aspx?spid=796BE06475C14243B81DD7376EF1E50F
I would suggest you call and see if there is a specialist in your area..you don't have to have a physician referral. Since you are diagnosed at T2 and high grade you don't want to waste any time in getting that second very important opinion. You're not alone with that diagnosis...many on this forum have had the exact same diagnosis and are here to guide you through it.
Stay calm and focused...Pat

Maria I sent you a PM you should have it by now. Good Luck, Joe

Maria,
WELCOME ! You have come to the right place for information & support. I live near Seattle and don't have the info. you need but hang on...someone soon will respond with some names and locations.

I am so sorry you have to make this jouney through cancer but you have found the forum and you now know you are not alone. I was diagnosed in March after being seen by my GYN clinic for 4 months before we determined I had BC...hugh surprise and I was completely overwhelmed with the news. Shed your tears, have a few good screaming sessions if it helps...most of us have, even if not all will admit to it. Cancer is a tough situation but there is hope and you will very likely find the right physician...don't necessarily expect him to be Mr. Personality, however, ...some of us have found these surgeons are good at what they do but don't alwas have the best people skills. What is most important is that you find a good one who is very experienced at what he does.

In my area I could not find one who could give me a neo-bladder with the results I wanted so I opted for the Indiana Pouch. After studying the options, you will have to decide what type of surgery you would prefer...and then hopefully the doctor can accmodate you. I am 56, had my bladder removed on 7/25 and just had my first CT scan yesterday and results show me as cancer free. Feel free to send me a personal message if you wish or ask me here on the forum...as I'm always willing to share my experiences with others. Take care. Melodie

Firstly, I just wanted to say thank you to Wendy for this forum. I found it while doing my own research on bladder cancer and it has been extremely useful and gave me insight into areas I just did not understand. I think you are all amazing on how you can talk about your cancer with the negatives and the positives the various treatments options. Your open discussions have really helped me.
I will try and encourage my husband to read the forum, he is too distraught and I think it is too soon for him.

Little bit about me…………..I am from the UK and have lived in Florida for nearly 3 years with my wonderful husband and fantastic 17 year old son. We all love it here in Florida. My American dream has just turned into a real life ‘nightmare’

History of 8-12 weeks blood in urine, no pain, just thought it was menopause problems.
I made a gyn appointment and seen my primary care doctor who both advised I see a Urologist. Fortunately, my friend is a nurse at our local hospital and recommended a great specialist.

Recently had a surgery biopsy and path lab results indicate a T2 – 3 high grade aggressive bladder tumor. Diagnosis concludes an invasive bladder cancer.
I am having a CT scan and chest X ray next week, I understand the results will help inform the grade of the tumor and help my doctor with a treatment plan.
I am still in shock! Finding it very difficult emotionally and have just cried for days. I know the survival rate is not good and it is very difficult to come to terms with. Initially I was in denial, I knew I would eventually have to face up to it and deal with it!!

My doctor will not be doing any more surgery, he has talked about a neo bladder. He does not do this type of surgery and will refer me to another hospital in the Tampa area. He will do the follow up care. I am not very happy about this as I really do like him and now it means I have to build up another relationship with a new doctor, which I will find difficult under the circumstances.
My question is do any of you live in the central Florida area and can you recommend any doctors who have done this type of surgery?

Thanks in advance, I am sure I will have more questions and hope I can contribute to this wonderful forum in the future.

Maria