Arghhhh...cystoscopy NOT

Sorry about your results, Sara Anne. I agree that the waiting and countdown to cysto time is maddening, and now that clock has to start over again. Arghhhh is right!

I had a pelvic/abdominal CT scan to confirm my diagnosis. Nine months after my surgery and at my third 3-month cysto (all clear), my doctor repeated the pelvic/abdominal CT scan to check for any signs of tumors elsewhere. That was also a stressful countdown waiting for that result, but all was good there too.

As Mark said, hope your meds kick in soon and you can get on with getting past another milestone with flying colors.

Alan, the CT scan is not because of the UTI. And, I think I have figured out why he would suggest it. It has been three years since my original diagnosis, and I had the CT-urogram at that time. The ureters and parts of the kidney have the same types of cells as the bladder lining, and bladder cancer can appear there as well. So the CT is to check for this, as well as mets, and probably is a good idea.

I just didn't think it through. If I am not correct, please someone correct/clarify it for me. I am not a big fan of CT scans, due to the high radiation exposure, but....

Sara Anne

Sara Anne,

I know just enough to be dangerous! I guess I just don't understand why the CT test? Bacterial infections wouldn't create a need for that under my understanding unless he figures 3 years is a good time to check everything. However, cytology and other urines tests are not invasive like the CT tests. I will follow your thread as I learn so much from this forum! Hoping the best for you!

Went for my 6 mos. checkup this morning. Bacteria present in urine sample. So they took a sample directly from the bladder. Bacteria. No cystoscopy.
Waiting for culture and antibiotic prescription. Then will re-schedule. And all the anxious-ness all over again.


He also wants to schedule a CT-urogram...I had one three years ago when diagnosed. I didn't think to ask why, if the bladder is clear (which we hope it will be) I would need to be tested for mets. Will ask when I go for the second try at cystoscopy.

SA