It\'s been a while Need pros & cons of diversions

Thanks again Pat and others. I'm closest to U of Penn and Jefferson. Just across the bridge. I just left a message with Dr. Malkovicz's admin assit. regarding a visit with him. Gave her the vital info. Hopefully will hear back tomorrow.

Hi again Karen.....your doc is right on with Dr. Malkowicz
www.uphs.upenn.edu/surgery/faculty/sbm.html
He's excellent....not sure which you are closest to...Penn or MSK?
pat

Hi Karen - Sorry you're having to decide IC or IP. I have an IP and even tho' it's not been very long I'm very happy with my choice. I was also lucky to find a Dr. who specializes in them in my home town. I would definitely make the trip to (at least) talk with the more experienced Drs. They will be able to give you more info and a better understanding on the procedure and recovery. This is a MAJOR life change surgery that will be your new normal. Take the time to make a wholy informed decision.

Lynda

Thanks Pat. I agree, after researching, the neo is the only one I wasn't interested in. I mentioned that to my Dr who agreed that there were more problems with a neo for a woman than a man.
He has recommended, off the top of his head, Dr. S.Bruce Malkowicz at the univ of Penn and Dr. Ed Trabulsi at Jefferson
both in Phil. He said there wasn't anyone in our south jersey area he would recommend if I want the Indiana. I blame myself for not being more detailed in my questions at the beginning of this journey. But I was hoping at that time that the BCG would work and I wouldn't need additional info on the R/C. I did ask how many R/Cs he did just not about each diversion. I really like him, cause I believe he has been honest with me and has never avoided questions and listens to me. I'm still planning on going to my preop testing today, as long as they tell me they can forward the results to the other hospitals, if I do decide to go to one of them.

Hi Karen,
Gee what a great doc to actually be honest with you about his experience with diversions. You're in New Jersey right...how difficult to have surgery in New York at MSK......they sure do a lot of bladder cancer surgery and diversions and a wonderful female doctor there Dr. Donat who can do all 3 diversions but is really great at the Indiana.
www.mskcc.org/prg/prg/bios/335.cfm
I've had the Indiana for 8 yrs now and really have no complaints. The only diversion i would not recommend for a female would be the neobladder.
Pat