Just \"diagnosed\" yesterday - 37 and very scared

Thank you both for sending us the hopeful news of recovery. We like this!

Good show!

George

Hello everyone - I was finally able to get the pathology from my procedure last Thursday and, although the Dr. was not available to speak w/ me directly today (he is supposed to call me Friday,) I spoke w/ one of the Physician Assistants who provided me w/ the results.

I was told that the pathology report stated that the only abnormality found during the procedure was the 1-2mm lesion, which was removed and formally called a "Low-Grade Papillary Urothelial Carcinoma in the report. The person I spoke w/ said that this did display the characteristics of a low grade BC, and therefore was classified as such. She said I can talk to my Doctor on Friday to determine the appropriate follow up schedule, but he had told my wife last week (after the procedure) that I shouldn't need to come back for a check up until 3-4 months.

So to formally address the macro-level questions:

DID I have a "small bladder cancer"?...apparently yes.
DO I currently have BC...I was told no. But I was told that I am now considered to have a "history", which is apparently why the regular follow up check ups are required.

By all accounts, this was encouraging news in the sense that I was at least able to find this early before it became a real problem. While I was obviously hoping to hear the word "benign" when talking about the report, I am thankful that this was able to be caught so very early. This whole thing still scares me but I am doing my best to now move forward.

I am still trying to deal w/ the anxiety part of all of this as well, which has been very taxing on me (as most of you know from my posts.) I am seeing a Therapist and am working hard to try and get a handle on all of that.

I'm not sure if this whole thing means I am a "club member" or not, but I'd prefer to think the latter.

Thanks again to everyone for your ongoing posts, kind words and help as I went through this process.

JD

Still in the hospital today and on Iv meds and the cath. The doctor seems to be talking about letting me go home today or tomorrow but will have to stay on cath for at least another 10 days and then will rerun the test to see if the hole has healed. My urine and bloodwork look clean as of now. If it has not then I will have to return for surgery to repair it. I am a little worried about going home but hoping everything goes ok. Still having a lot of pain but they have me on morphine that helps out a lot. The spasms have stopped since of course the cath is resting my bladder. They say I will stay on some heavy antibiotics at home to prevent infection. My stomach seems to have went down some but not all the way just yet. Keep you updated and thank you for asking about me.
Mel

Melly how are things going today? Better I hope.

And What did we all learn frome this Scenerio?

1) The DEEP BREATH thing is important for clearing our minds to the task of decision making
2) Even well intentioned Dr.'s make a misdiagnosis and cause us undue mental anguish. A second opinion is ALWAYS necessary!!!!!
3) Worrying only messes with your head and does nothing toward getting you well. Or making the decisions that MUST be made with a Clear Mind.
4) Listen to your body.... It will tell you if you need help.
5) Be sure to be your own advocate. Fight for what you need and deserve in the medical field.

6) This is the most important of all.
"The people on this site are Soooooooooooooooo incredibly SMART!" You guys (and Gals) are amazing!

Good Work Everybody! Since I was out of town and didn't participate in this thread. I guess my work here is done! You guys are the best!

George