Worried...

Dear Karen,

Thank you for your message. The surgeon actually used that name at some point: "mushroom-like tumours".

My father's spirits are good, because when he woke up he found out that he didn't need an extra TURB anymore (so we hope).

We've been told that everything was removed. The surgeon has also admitted to have gone "a bit too far, for the sake of checking on how profound they had gone into the bladder wall" and apparently scratched it "too much" at one particular point. (So, a perforation has occurred.)

He says that with the treatment this will heal...

We're now waiting for the results and my brother and I keep thinking that, once he's back on his feet and strong, we may have to push our father to a get a second opinion elsewhere simply for safety.

Kind Regards

Gabriel

Gabriel,

From what I understand it is usually better to find that it has not invaded the muscle. The path report will also help the Dr. to determine if it is a Superficial Cancer or an Aggressive Cancer. My husbands tumor was described as mushroom-like so grass-like is probably another terminology they use. I do not understand how the prostate is involved unless it had its own tumors. Having tumors in the Urethra is not uncommon either. I am sure that the Path Report will tell you if it was Prostate Cancer that went to the Bladder or the reverse. Everything with this cancer is a case by case basis. You have to wait to get the Path report before making the next move. But lining up surgeons, hospitals, cancer centers, oncologists etc...are all things that can be research while you wait. Don't wait until you are under more stress to make those decisions. It gives you something to keep your minds busy for the next few days anyway.

How is your father after the TURB? How are his spirits?

You are all in my thoughts,
Karen

Dear All,

The TURB took place today and this is the initial info we've received from the surgeon:

"All tumours have been removed, having found some in the urethra and nearest side of the prostate as well. The tumours were quite extended but had a relatively small size and were not invasive in any case."

To be honest, we don't know what to make of this and some questions come to mind:

How does a biopsy now help doctors determine the stage (rather than just the grade) of the tumour?

Have any of you heard of such a case, where the small "grass-like tumours" do not invade but extend all the way to prostate?

Is this likely to be diagnosed as CIS?

Many thanks,

Gabriel


P.S. We'll have the biopsy results within a week.

Gabriel,

I am glad to hear that the Path report will be back sooner than you first expected...

I am sure your father will be fine during/after his TURB. I am glad he will be in a hospital setting.

Please keep us informed. Your family is in my prayers...

Karen

Gabriel,

After the 2 turbs my husband had, he had no bleeding what so ever. He had a leakage that was some debris from the turb site. It was not bothersome just a little wierd. Glad you came here for info, it can make a big difference!!
Ginger

Dear Karen,

My parents insist the local hospital is very good and that they are content to do this "at home". We live in the Canaries and it's quite a trip to go to the mainland.

My brother and I have located a couple top notch places in mainland Spain but my parents insist they want to stay home.

I'm very sorry to hear about your husband; I hope he's now doing well.

They plan to take out half of the tumours (which they call "grass-like tumours") and in a second TURB get the rest.

No biopsy has been done yet since first cystoscopy on Jan 2nd.

Dear Ginger,

apparently the Canaries hospital is good and do this regularly though we know virtually nothing about its reputation at a national level in terms of bladder cancer. (For spine they seem to be top in Spain.)

Dear Pat,

My brother and I really hope my parents will pursue a second opinion after receiving this biopsy, even if it involves travelling.

Many many thanks to all, hugs,

Gabriel