Many times lurking first post

I read so much on this site about picking a "good" hospital, a teaching hospital, a hospital reknowned for cancer treatment, etc. I really don't think that guarantees much about patient care. You may get doctors more experienced in cancer treatment, more able to make better decisions for you. But most of what is done to you may be by those who are still learning, if it's a teching hospital. At the University of Chicago, so many residents and interns were hanging around me, asking questions, and nearly every one of them was coughing, sneezing, and sick. Guess what? I was sick as a dog after my TUR, and I hardly ever get colds. I don't know who actually did my TUR, or how many learning hands were on the cystoscope while I was out, but I do know I never saw my urological oncologist, and I had a very rough recovery compared to the two I had previously, which were not done at teaching hospitals. I actually ended up in the local E.R. three days after due to problems.

And nurses everywhere are overworked these days. No matter where you go, the patient is neglected at times. When I awoke from the anesthetic after the TUR, I was trembling violently. It was not simple chills. I was still out of it enough where I couldn't formulate a thought to ask for help. I heard someone casually comment to someone else "she's cold." Nobody bothered to cover me up with a blanket, though.

I would say that if you picked out a good hospital in the beginning that horrible incident you had with that one Turbt would never have happened. I had my Turbt, Chemo, and RC all done at the Univ of Penn and each patient has an RN and a CNA (nurses aid) and laying in vomit and wet sheets would never happen up there. That's why you hear people say pick a good cancer center usually in the city and get a good team of Dr's so you don't get caught in bad situations. Cheer, Joe

Hi there, I feel so much better already! I think that the time frame of three weeks for me is more related to what they do during surgery or something because this time around it hasn't taken that long. In fact, I think a lot of it is that I usually get some kick ass infection--this time I haven't

I had a different urologist this time around--I think I prefer the care I get with him. I don't know how long it takes others to get better-but for me it is around a week before I even really remember conversations.

In terms of being so concerned about getting a ride to the BCG treatments and having someone in the house afterwards--I got this impression from reading, I believe, Tales From The Trenches, or somewhere on this site. All advised 'paul' that he should not drive himself, etc.

I'm heartened by the response to this post though, not only in terms of BCG, but in general, so thanks.

Patricia--I just have the regular pain killers--but they knock me out. After the first couple of days I don't even take them.

My first TURBT was horrid--a really horrifying situation--I was hemmoraghing (sp?) and in hospital for a few days with a 3 way catheter-- and I don't know what health care is like down south, but up here well, I was covered in my own vomit/wet from catheter flushing & couldn't even get a clean gown... my sheets were wet from the constant flushing of my catheter and there were no clean sheets. I could go on, but I won't. This kind of coloured my expectations of how awful it would be.

I have a new surgeon now and I'm happier. I stayed in overnight this time as well and my experience was much different and better.

I guess every turb is different.

Thanks again for the support.

L.

L.

It sounds like you had both medical and emotional issues to deal with. Glad to hear that you and your partner talked about things. I am very lucky as my wife has been very supportive and even helps/advises with hospital care packages, what to eat, how the medications have affected me, etc. - in short she helps me remember everything that I forget due to nerves and is there to support me. I share stuff I learn from the Internet with her and let her know what I am thinking. I hope this part of your life improves (sounded a little resentful/abusive on the part of your partner in the earlier posts).

I agree with your statement that this is the best of the worst. Try to get out there and do the things you like to do - cystos, BCG, TURBTs are all just part of the treatment, but few cases progress from superficial pap to more aggressive - so keep living. Seek the help you need in all areas of your life. Don't be afraid to post here - there are a lot of good people with a lot of different experiences on this sight. Good luck.

Ross

L, It's good you and your partner were able to have a heart to heart talk this weekend. I wanted to add no one can be there for their partner 100% of the time. I had to physically leave mine when he was having BCG treatment first for my father's death and second I had to take care of our daughter for 2 weeks after a auto accident. He managed well enough as it was at the beginning of the treatment and the time after the treatment was more of a time consumer than difficult.

Responses to TURBT's and BCG vary between individuals and for each time you have one. My husband changed urologist because we moved and the first TURBT with the new Dr. left him feeling miserable for several reasons. With the original urologist they had become almost a matter of routine and he bounced back within a few days. As the BCG treatment progressed he was more and more uncomfortable and the response is usually that shows it is working.

I also think that the public does not know anything about Bladder Cancer. It does not have the publicity that Breast Cancer has. It is the 4th or 5th most common cancer and yet no one talks about it. I am so glad we have the internet and can seek out support and knowledge from people who know what it is like to live with it.

Lorrie...truthfully i'm concerned that it takes you 3 weeks to come around after a TURB...what is going on? You think maybe you need a second opinion? What drugs are you taking and why?
I know its a bit more traumatic for the men as they have a longer urethra and more trauma just to even get in there....but a really good surgeon should leave you without pain.
Pat