HI Tom –
I was Dx’d in May 2010 with BC and had my RC in June 2010. All my post op tests came back as clear and the nodes (27) they took were all clear. I thought I was all set, but found out that I had MEts to the lung in MAy 2011. (No I didn’t know I was supposed to be monitored every 3 months). BUT I am receiving chemo now and the tumors are responding. It’s almost harder to get thru the 2nd dx than the first. I’ve had the best support at home and at treatment, I’m so lucky, but the reality is that no one knows what’s going to happen. Talk to your Dr. about your concern about the node. They are your best source of info and don’t let them put you off! “Everything’s fine!!!… is not enough – you need more info to understand and find a good place to be with all that’s happened to you.
Jmemas note on suppliments is a good one to also run by your doc. Mine did suggest a multi, vit D, calcium…, but be sure to get good sources for vitamins.
Also, get an idea of what your dr. is planning for future testing and at what timeframe. This may help you to feel not so abandoned. Again, they are the dr. you are the patient, but that doesn’t mean that the medical pros are the final say in all areas. If your Dr. won’t work with you or you feel unattended to, it’s time to find a better dr.
Keep us in the loop, we are here for you!
Lynda
Lynda
3 years UTIs
Indiana Pouch – July 2010
Pulmonary Met. – May 2011
Chemo started June 2011
I am and always have been a big believer in Vitamins, supplements and herbs and took them for many years. They made me stop when I started my chemo because they said they would interfere.
I would talk to someone knowledeable before you do it but I would be taking astragalas for my immune system, Vit. A, Vit.E & C.
I wouldn’t worry too much about an encapsulated lymph node. Being anxious won’t change what is or what will be so just live every day to it’s fullest.
Blessings….Jean
Thank you Sara. I’m sure there are others out there I’d just like to hear from them and maybe connect. Thanks for changing the posting.
Tom, your post was moved to the “metatastic” category because more people who might have advice for you would see it here.
So sorry to hear of your recent bladder cancer journey. Of course it would have been much better if there had been NO lymph node involvement. However, one node, and encapsulated at that, is about as good as it gets at this stage.
While I am no expert in this area, I know of people who have gone on to have no more cancer with much more initial spread.
Sara Anne
Diagnosis 2-08 Small papillary TCC; CIS
BCG; BCG maintenance
Vice-President, American Bladder Cancer Society
Forum Moderator
Sign In to reply