What are the chances of a Person being wrongly Diagnosed?

I believe that having a bad taste in your mouth from your urologist can certainly contribute to that unease in the diagnosis. My urologist on some days sounds very diligent, almost renegade in his "we're going to stop these recurrences" attitude. Then, some days he just seems to hang his head and say "damn it, you're so damn young (28). I just hope we can stop these recurrences." Overall, I am satisfied with my urologist, and he has helped me with my financial issues (graduate student, no insurance, etc). But, I know that so many things have to happen to get the most precise grading and staging of these things (urologist's removal of tumor from TURBT, pathologist's microscopic readings, etc).

I just had my second TURBT to remove what the pathologist has called yet another "low grade urothelial papillary carcinoma, no evidence of subepithelial invastion." Of course this time I had 4 other "satellite" tumors as my urologist calls them, which were also low grade. We didn't do BCG back in January but we are in about six weeks.

I live in Louisiana, about four or five hours from Houston (MD Anderson), so I am thinking really hard. A friend of mine went there so she knows social workers who can help me. I just don't know.

I think like you do, Alice. I just know things will happen, the dice will roll, and I will just deal with whatever comes my way. The only thing we can do for each other is be here.

Greg

Im with you on the NHS Brian. Im in England and, apart from the odd fairly minor blip, I've had pretty good care throughout my illness right up to my cystectomy. I've had my money's worth for sure and continue to do so.

Tim

Okay, that's it, Brian, where ever you are, I want to be, lol!

I really am so happy that you have the access to good treatment and care, because I wouldn't wish any other for someone having to go through what I am in regards to finding the same.

Brian, it really was so kind of you to think of me and to let me know. Your thoughts are just as much appreciated. It could have went better, but I am back in the saddle again and ready to move on.

Hand me those reins, will ya? Yee Haa, LOL!

Being Scottish, I've had all my treatment provided by the NHS. It's free at the point of use. I know that there have been many horror stories about the NHS, but I've never had any real problems. My file went AWOL, but that was sorted very quickly.

I have had very good treatment and with short waiting times. The introduction of specialised haematuria clinics several years ago allows for faster treatment and diagnosis.

I don't have to fill out endless forms. The only paperwork that I get involved with are appointments and permission slips for procedures/anaesthesia.

The system isn't perfect, but it is still a very much cherished institution, and has saved many lives. I have friends and family that would not be around if it wasn't for the NHS.

Alice, I don't know if you'll see this message before your go for you check-up, but I do hope that everything goes well.

As I'm not religious, I can't offer prayers, but I will be thinking of you.

Best of luck

Brian X

Hello Warren,

Thank you so much for taking the time to respond and for letting me know you understand my situation.

You know, I truly understand that the doctor's need their pay, but I will be honest with you, I really believe if I was a doctor treating someone with cancer or needed medical attention and struggling with finances, I COULD NEVER turn them down. I feel that is so cold and so heartless. They are a human being with feelings and emotions just like the rest of us no matter their situation.

I gave so much individual time to my student's that were really struggling in a classroom never worrying about time or pay. My focus was on that student in need of extra help. I wasn't there for the money, only for my kids and honestly, I truly miss them. NOT the political aspects of it, just the kids and seeing them grow.

The new URO did call and moved my Cysto up a day, so I will be going in the 17th instead of the 18th. I told them of my situation and they were very, very understanding and kind. They told me they would not reject me just because of the lack of insurance or my finances, so I really think this one is going to work out for me.

Again, Warren, thank you so much for your time and I do hope so much that you are getting along great with your cancer.

Alice

It's unfortunate that some of my colleagues (I'm a pediatrician who happened to have bladder cancer) forget why they went into this business. Of course we have to make a living, but that's no excuse for blaming the patient and providing shoddy care (even if it's medically acceptable). That's just another argument in favor of universal health care coverage. And I know that as a primary care provider, I'm no better off with the HMOs than I would have been with universal coverage.
It really gets me angry when I try to send a medicaid patient to a specialist and the specialist give them a run around. I usually end up calling the doc and yelling that I give him plenty of other referrals and I expect him to treat ALL my pateints well.