Stage IV Bladder Cancer or not ?

15 years 10 months ago #17177 by Leigh
Replied by Leigh on topic Stage IV Bladder Cancer or not ?
Hello Wendy,

Thank you for your message.

I am still a little confused over the staging...

Is stage 4 the same as 5?

When nodes are positive but have been removed does the stage remain at 5?

As written in the staging section stage 5 is not curable...so stage 5 patients can only have a remission and not a cure..is that right?

I understand what you are saying about my present situation...I am healthy with no known mets. I have to get past the staging and stats issues and live for the now but me being me I have to understand my situation first before I can do this.

I hope that makes sense and I hope you can make light of the questions I have :)

Thanks Wendy...

Leigh

Leigh, 39
Dx July 2007
TURBT July 2007
RC/Neobladder ,Studer Pouch, September 2007
Erasmus Centrum Rotterdam
TNM Classification: pT4 N2 Mo
4 cycles aduvant chemo Gemzar & Cisplatinum

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15 years 10 months ago #17172 by PeterK
Replied by PeterK on topic Stage IV Bladder Cancer or not ?
Leigh,

You and your doctors appear to be doing everything that needs to be done. I'm in the same boat as you, in terms of hoping that the cancer does't Metastasize. I try to take it one day at a time. We are like the guy that fell off a 50 story building, and as he was passing each floor he muttered "SO FAR SO GOOD". The only time I dwell on it is at night when I go to bed, when I think, "SO FAR SO GOOD" in terms of no signs of spread and pain free. You and I need to wait until we know we got something for sure before we start stressing out.

Now be a good little Englishman and keep a stiff upper lip. You are going to be alright, even Wendy says so.

Regards,

Peter Konomos

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15 years 10 months ago #17163 by wendy
Replied by wendy on topic Stage IV Bladder Cancer or not ?
Dear Leigh,

Um...yes. Node involvement stages a person at IV. But...these nodes were removed.

People who have nodal involvement can also go into long remission, I know a few who have, are still cancer free 8+ years later.

Michael had extensive tumor and many nodes, was very ill from the start. You are in great shape and not showing any signs of cancer.

I'm sorry you got shocked like this.

You'll be alright!

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15 years 10 months ago #17161 by Leigh
Replied by Leigh on topic Stage IV Bladder Cancer or not ?
Dear Pat, Holly, Julie and Clara,

Many thanks for your messages and personal messages that really means a lot to me.

Thank you for your caring support...I will certainly let you all know as soon as I have more clarity on this.

I am having a few bad days personally with my thoughts....just another blip.

Kindest Regards
Leigh

Leigh, 39
Dx July 2007
TURBT July 2007
RC/Neobladder ,Studer Pouch, September 2007
Erasmus Centrum Rotterdam
TNM Classification: pT4 N2 Mo
4 cycles aduvant chemo Gemzar & Cisplatinum

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15 years 10 months ago #17152 by Clara
Replied by Clara on topic Stage IV Bladder Cancer or not ?
Leigh,
I am anxious to hear what you find out about this...please keep us posted.

Thanks for all the support and input you give to this site.

Clara

Caretaker of husband, Bob.
Stage IV
Diagnosed Jan, 2007

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15 years 10 months ago #17151 by julieann
Replied by julieann on topic Stage IV Bladder Cancer or not ?
Hey Leigh,

I am really not very qualified to answer your question, but it seems to me that if you had the RC and chemo and got an all clear, you are definitely on a good path. My experience is via my mom as you know and she was stage 3 before the surgery and has been upgraded to stage 4 due to lymph node involvement.....HOWEVER she did not take chemo which could explain her staging. I keep up with your blog (it is saved in my favorites) and am so encouraged by you. You are finished with chemo and currently all clear. I understand your concern but I say GO WITH IT!! Get out and enjoy every day. (Funny coming from me huh? Miss worrywart! :D)

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