Hi Rosemary,
Thanks for opening a new topic for me. I appreciate it.
The last urologist is not the one that removed the 1st tumor. Because I changed my health insurance plan I was referred to another urologist. Then I moved to another state and I had to find another urologist.
I agree with you that we have to stay on top of this disease and do whatever is necessary to save our lives. Having said that, No one likes to be taken hostage by medical professionals recommending unnecessary tests and visits for their financial gain. Please don't take me wrong. There are so many honest and good medical professionals out there but there are bad apples everywhere that we must watch for them.
I was told about the 5 years prognosis protocol by two urologists. May be it was because I had a superficial non-invasive cancer. Also, I have to mention that Cysto, like most medical procedures, can have its own side effects. Pushing a tube in the opposite direction is not something that our body can tolerate with no side effect if it occurs too often. I am under the impression that after 5 years of surveillance with Cysto we have to continue with surveillance every 3-6 months by urine, blood, etc tests. If these test results indicate that the cancer might be back we should confirm it one way or another with Cysto. The same way that my family doctor recommended Cysto to make sure that the microscopic blood in my urine is not cause by cancer. After all I am not a doctor as well.
Sorry for a long response.
Thanks and have a good day.
Regards,
Ben.