Just be straight with me please

16 years 8 months ago #7161 by Zachary
Replied by Zachary on topic Just be straight with me please

You want me to guess? No, it's not in her lymph nodes.

But, even if it is, like Patricia said, bladder cancer that has spread isn't necessarily a death sentence.

For some of us, it's just a semi-colon.

"Standing on my Head"---my chemo journal
T3a Grade 4 N+M0
RC at USC/Norris June 23, 2006 by Dr. John Stein

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

16 years 8 months ago #7159 by worrieddaughter
Replied by worrieddaughter on topic Just be straight with me please
Thank you so much! I didn't mean to sound so negative about the whole thing. I am trying to think positive, but just want to be prepared for the unexpected. I am so glad to hear you are doing well. This whole thing has made me feel so strange. It is like I am walking around in a daze. Don't exactly think about it all the time, but can't concentrate on anything at all. If that makes sense?!?!?! It is just a ver odd numb feeling.

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

16 years 8 months ago #7116 by Cynthia
Replied by Cynthia on topic Just be straight with me please
The pathology done after the RC is the most acurate way to stage bladder cancer. Other than that only time will tell you the full story. We all grasp for absolutes in this world and for many the uncertainty is one of the worst things when dealing with cancer. But the truth is that no one on earth can tell you exactly how this will play out. The only thing I can tell you is an absolute is that there is only one way to hedge your bets. And that is to be an informed medical consumer. If your situation allows get her to a high volume Uro Surgeon and Uro Onocologist. If your situation does not allow for that be her advocate go to all the of meetings with the doctors take notes ask questions and help her through the maze.
By the way I am three years out of a T2 dx with chemo and the RC behind me. I am thriving and enjoying every day of life. Remember the survival rate is very high for people with T2 disease who recieve the proper treatment.
Just from reading your post I can tell you love your mother deeply and that she is lucky to have you in her corner. Keep up the good work, keep asking questions and keep us informed.

Cynthia

Cynthia Kinsella
T2 g3 CIS 8/04
Clinical Trial
Chemotherapy & Radiation 10/04-12/04
Chemotherapy 3/05-5/05
BCG 9/05-1-06
RC w/umbilical Indiana pouch 5/06
Left Nephrectomy 1/09
President American Bladder Cancer Society

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

16 years 8 months ago #7075 by Patricia
Replied by Patricia on topic Just be straight with me please
Did you read Wendy's answer to your previous question...if you did you'll know that lymphovascular involvement doesn not mean necessarily that lymph nodes are involved. And a guess is what anybody would be doing at this point including the surgeon if no abnormality showed up on the CT scan or PET scan or if she's had any other scans done. If you have a very experienced surgeon which i hope you have a T2 tumor is not a death sentence. The most important thing you and your mother can do is make sure you have a surgeon that does 60 to 80 of these a year and not in an office 4 days a week...but rather in an operating room 4 days a week.......if you really want it straight. Pat

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

16 years 8 months ago #7074 by worrieddaughter
Just be straight with me please was created by worrieddaughter
I posted earlier in the week and my mom now has her appt. for the RC. What I am wondering is this..... her tumor was 4 1/2 cm and had its own blood supply. Had tentacles that were into the muscular wall. Initial path report said "suspicious of lymphovascular involvement." Of course I am praying for the best but want to be prepared for the worst. Just be straight with me....your guess.....will it be in the lymph nodes?

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

Moderators: Cynthiaeddieksara.anne