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96 yr old w/muscle invasive bladder cancer
My Mom is 93 years old and a dialysis patient. Last week, she was diagnosed with invasive Bladder Cancer. I am concerned because the Urologist wants to remove my Mom’s kidneys and bladder. I don’t know who to turn to for more information. My Mom flat out refuses to have surgery. Should I get a second opinion?
Please help!
Post Note: I would like to add the Doctors feel that my Mom has a lot of life in her – especially since she does not act and feel her age. I am just concerned that surgery is the only option. They believe that she will do well after the surgery. Since she is a dialysis patient she does not expel much urine at all – maybe 2 ounces a day.
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11 Replies
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A second opinion is simply good medicine when warranted. This certainly appears to be a good idea. It will give peace of mind and fresh eyes. At the same time, many times it will simply reaffirm the original diagnosis.
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. -
That is very interesting. My Mom’s Urologist said there were too many tumors and they were too large to remove during one procedure. I am thinking that a second opinion must provide a different diagnosis.
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Hi Sara,
The Urologist said he would not use a robot but I have to ask him why. Actually, I thought this was strange since Robotic surgery is listed as his area of expertise. The Doctor said he would make a small incision and would not have to go through the muscle, which is why he said she would be up and walking the next day.
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so is your mom having bladder removed then? I am right here with you. My dad saw new doc today who was appalled by his situation. Going to remove rest of tumor and see how things look. Please keep us posted.
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Your mom’s situation is extremely unusual/unique. I don’t think any of us have run into this type of problem before! Would he be removing the bladder robotically? This would also reduce the possibility of complications. The urologist may be correct in that the surgery would not be as major for her as for those that require a diversion to be constructed for the removal of urine. You may want to discuss this with him.
Sara Anne
Diagnosis 2-08 Small papillary TCC; CIS
BCG; BCG maintenance
Vice-President, American Bladder Cancer Society
Forum Moderator -
Thank you for responding. My Mom is on dialysis because she was diagnosed with High Blood pressure years ago and decided to take the natural path. Obviously, this did not work out for her. We had a consult with the Urologist last week and he said my Mom would do fine after the surgery. Although I read the recover time is 3-6 weeks he claimed my Mom would be up and walking the next day. My concern is without the surgery she would continue to bleed and would constantly require blood transfusions. My Mom’s concern is that she would become an invalid after the surgery.
The Urologist said that the kidneys are not working so he thinks it is better to remove them. He also said that my Mom would not need a pouch because the fluid would be handled by Dialysis.
I apologize for the rambling but this is hard.
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Hi there- I can relate- my dad is about to be 93 and has bladder cancer. Being a very private and independent guy has had “little procedures” over the years to help with urinating and honestly both he and urologist kept us in dark- but now he is too uncomfortable and is opening up too us a bit. Had a tumor removed in the fall and is still bleeding and having urinary issues. PET scan was clear. He was very attached to his urologist ( a one doc office) but finally just left him and will see a new practice next week. Also just starting immunotherapy with a med called tecentriq. There is no way he could handle/manage/survive(?) bladder removal. He also has heart issues. Like your mom is not an “old” 93! In fact he is quite insulted to be thought of as so.
I will be following along. -
I believe a second opinion is a good idea. Ask away as you go. There is usually someone that can answer further questions.
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. -
Your mom definitely needs a second opinion . I would really wonder why the doctor would remove kidneys if they aren’t cancerous. Why is she on dialysis ?
Sara Anne
Diagnosis 2-08 Small papillary TCC; CIS
BCG; BCG maintenance
Vice-President, American Bladder Cancer Society
Forum Moderator -
Hi Alan,
Thank you for your response. This is so new to me that I have not had time to perform research. My Mom does not want the surgery and I am moving toward the decision too. The kidneys are not cancerous but the Doctor wants to remove them along with the Bladder. I am scheduling an appointment for a second opinion. These last few days have been overwhelming.
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Welcome Momscargiver,
I wanted to reassure you your post is being seen. A few questions on my
end. If your Mom is on dialysis, are the kidneys cancerous? If so I
could see understand the surgery suggestion surgery, if not why is this proposed? As far as
bladder removal. This is a very rigorous surgery even if your Mom
generally has good health (I question good health if on dialysis), it is
high risk. So much of this is way above my pay grade and none of us are
doctors knowing all her situation, simply those that have “been there and done that”.I would have an in-depth question and answer with the medical team and
ask lots of questions on why? What if? What after the surgery will look
like? Can a 93 year old handle this or, how many 85+ old patients has this
doctor operated on? What were the prognosis and outcomes? Are there
other treatments that may extend life with a 93-year-old with general
good health? Yes, even to the point of a second opinion for other treatment ideas. Adding this kind of surgery, Medicare may also have
something to say on payments.
You are certainly a wonderful caregiver helping out.
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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