TAGrade2

10 years 2 days ago #46123 by rbmc
Replied by rbmc on topic TAGrade2
Sorry BC caused a loss in the family. Seems that would be a motivator to not follow in his footsteps, and do everything possible to keep you healthy and alive. Which includes asking questions, as you have done. Any question, frustration, fear or need to vent is welcome. Those experiences you encounter will make you a good mentor for those who follow. I've never seen another place where such nice people contribute so much from the 'been there-done that' BC journey. Good, or bad.
The following user(s) said Thank You: AnneH

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10 years 2 days ago #46121 by AnneH
Replied by AnneH on topic TAGrade2
Thank you everyone for your response! My Dad had BC and after the first few years in never continued with his check-ups. Maybe if he had he could have prevented dying from BC cancer.

Mayo said only 10% of the cases run in families guess I'm part of the 10% because I never smoked.

Thank you,

Anne

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10 years 3 days ago #46120 by rbmc
Replied by rbmc on topic TAGrade2
Look at the BCG routine as a way to help your own body fight off any possible cancer cells. Cells are very small, and lingering bad ones can create a re-currence. You want to go after those dang things. After the treatment (maybe another few months to let the bladder settle down), a cysto will look to see if there is any new cancer. Did the treatment work? (It doesn't just "go away" and forget it.) Some patients have had LOTS of BCG. I've had 2 rounds, and it worked. Treatment is simple, but annoying. There will be various side effects but bearable ..... much better than needing chemo. BCG is not a chemo treatment. Sounds like you'll keep up updated on your journey. Hate to sound negative, but, you're in the "club", and it is a new lifelong adventure to monitor.

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10 years 3 days ago #46118 by Alan
Replied by Alan on topic TAGrade2
I second Sara Anne's comments. TA is the stage which is means it hasn't moved deeper into the bladder which is good. However, whatever the grade is regular exams especially the first few years is essential. My diagnosis was probably grade2 but, my URO basically said that is old school. He said he looks at it as grade 1 or 3(more aggressive) and he treated me that way (grade 3). This is a very treatable disease but, it also is a lifelong journey to stay on top of it.

DX 5/6/2008 TAG3 papillary tumor .5 CM in size. 2 TURBS followed by 6 instillations of BCG weekly with a second round of 6 after a 6 week wait.

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10 years 3 days ago #46111 by sara.anne
Replied by sara.anne on topic TAGrade2
I suspect that your doctor meant that it is not serious NOW and may not progress. HOWEVER, bladder cancer has a habit of returning. Many people with your diagnosis have it recur, have the "not serious" tumor(s) removed, and go on with their lives. However, it has the potential to become very serious. This is why the BCG treatments to get rid of any little cells in the bladder, and three-month cystocopies to be SURE it hasn't returned. You should have exams every three months for several years, then you will graduate to every six months, and then every year forever!!

Good luck to you

Sara Anne

Diagnosis 2-08 Small papillary TCC; CIS
BCG; BCG maintenance
Vice-President, American Bladder Cancer Society
Forum Moderator

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10 years 3 days ago #46106 by AnneH
TAGrade2 was created by AnneH
I'm confused if I have TAgrade2 with no chance of it progressing any further, my doctor described it as a nuisance then anything serious. Why do I need BCG treatments and a cystoscope every 3 months.

Thank you,

Anne

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