UVA & new Uro

Bill,

Thank goodness you have followed up on your second opinion and also emailed the doc in Maryland. It does sound like you have one hurdle after another to jump. I understand why you would be so frusrated, after all the pain, and continual infections and still not quite sure how to best handle this problem. But please don't give up. You are getting closer to a resolution.

I recall when I was extremely annoyed with the doctors earlier on and I was just wanting to distance myself from them; when someone, could have been Pat, reminded me that God made doctors too. Good point. I just needed to ensure I was with the right ones. I knew it wasn't enough to just pray but that He expected me to do my part. And my spouse reminded me that God helps those who help themselves. So push on, my friend. The battle is not an easy one but you are not alone.

I will continue to keep you in my prayers...sounds like Pat and Mike have given you some good advice and I hope you persist in getting the answers to all the questions you have, and hopefully can get some relief so you can enjoy the upcoming holidays. Hugs, Melodie

mmc wrote:
Mike,

Don't worry, I'm not going for the RC, till the last resort, I can assure you. The 4th I have another Cysto, and will see about the "TB" med's for my prostate infection, as suggested by the Uro at UVA. At the same time, I will inquire about the mitomycin. Thanks!

Bill,

Your son makes some good points. It's applicable to you since BCG has been hell for you. For other's it's been fine and effective.

It is the best thing out there for treating CIS and greatly reducing recurrence.

In your shoes, I'm not sure I'd jump right into the RC unless there is a recurrence.

I'd ask about the mitomycin if I were you. Lots of folks who had issues with BCG were able to get treated with it. I had three treatments with it and only the last one was a problem. My CIS came back in a year and half after being treated but who's to say it wouldn't have been sooner had I not.

For right now, it kind of sounds like the prostate might be the bigger issue based on your posts.

Mike

Patricia wrote:His quote:

"i am not sure why you would come up and see me at this point
is your cancer gone or is it resistant to bcg?
-m"

Doesn't resistant to BCG mean that I still have the cancer & it's not responding to BCG? My cancer is gone!

To answer part fo his question, my cancer was removed by TRUBT. And yes, I did explain that to him, in fact I said that the Dr at UVA directed me NOT to have anymore BCG's due to extreme side-effects & resulting prostate infections!

In fact I question how critical no BCG is going to be, as far as the probability of recurance?

Will my URO finally give me the TR meds for my prostate, THursday when I get another Cysto?

What about mitomicine (Sp)? WIll my URO consider that in place of BCG? WIll my body tolerate it?

THe war continues.

My son a Family Practice Dr is really concerned as his g-dad and I both have had BC. My f-in-law lost his bladder. My son says if he contacts BC, he will not go thru the HELL of BCG & Cysto's every 3-mo, etc, etc. He says he will immediately go for the RC and be done with the BC and the concern of the prostate, as well.

But it is BCG resistant...you're having a horrible reaction to BCG....did you tell him that part? Write him back in detail about whats going on.
Pat

Not having much success with Uro's at all! I e-mailed the Dr, Pat suggested, explaining my BC history as best as I could. Heard back from John Hopkings:

"IF your cancer has been removed and not BCG-resistant, why would you want to come see me at this point?"

I give up!