Buds,
The most important thing that I know or can say to any of you is the about the value and importance of alternate opinions (especially an opinion from a teaching hospital)....
There is a story I would like to tell that is s case in point which has nothing to do with Bladder Cancer, (but is a good case in point about the importance of second opinions.)
My co-worker has a husband who was brain damaged from a fall off of a building when he was 24 years old (now he is in his 60's). This man has not been able to speak since his fall those many years ago. In the last few years, he has developed a MRSA infection in a chronic open wound that will not heal on his ankle. This wound has been getting better, then getting worse for about 5 years. He recently was sent for a second opinion to a MRSA expert and was told that the only option would be amputation...
Since the man couldn't talk, he cried.....
His wife, understandably, sought out a third opinion at a Teaching Hospital in Greenville, NC. The result has been a new type of treatment for MRSA infection. The wound has been healing a little every day and is almost gone for the first time in about 5 years. He may be able to be sent home from the nursing facility soon.
My best advice concerning bladder cancer and a rule of thumb...
After diagnosis, seek a Second Opinion from a good teaching hospital if at all possible.
Best,
Ro
