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My Dad was just diagnosed with bladder cancer-Help
My name is Sargis. My family lives in California, USA. My dad (he is 56 years old) recently flew to Armenia for few months on vocation and about one-two weeks before his flight he noticed that he has some blood clots in his urine. He left on September 18, 2011. Over there in Armenia he went to doctor and they made CT Scan and found out that he has some kind of tumor in his bladder and they said that they need to do a biopsy. So on December 15th, 2011, they made a biopsy and the doctor said he removed the tumor/cancer and he sent the samples to the labs to determine what stage it is in and how deep it is in the bladder. He divided the sample to two parts and he sent each part to seperate laboratory. Unfortunately both of the labs gave two different results. One of them said that the stage is G1 T1 (so I think they said that the cancer cells are not found in the muscle layers) and the other lab said it is G2 T2x (I believe they said that there are some cells in the muscle layer). The results were pretty different and the doctor didn’t know what to do so he made some kind of decision on his own and said I will diagnose it as T1 cancer but he said another biopsy needs to be done after 4-6 weeks because if they do it now they will not get correct results because of the wounds and burnings. Now my dad decided to come back to USA and continue the treatment here. My whole family is very worried and confused. We are all in shock. We are trying to find as much info as we can everywhere.
I have some questions that cannot find any answers:
1. Is it possible that two labs can send different results for same tumor or the doctors and laboratories in Armenia are doing something wrong?
2. Is it true that after one biopsy we need to wait 4 to 6 weeks to make another biopsy? Because we don’t want to waste time and we want to make another biopsy here in USA as soon as he comes back.
3. Is there something that you can suggest to us about this whole situation?Awaiting for your replies and opinions.
I really appreciate your help and Thank You in advance!
Sargis
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21 Replies
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I know about blood clots but this is not a blood clot. It looks more like a dead skin or you know when you have a wound and it gets healed and falls, something like that. Yes, we will let the doctor now about that. I think this is part of the wound inside that is getting healed after the burnings and now it is comming out. I’m not sure of course, I’m just guessing. That is why I wanted to ask you guys if you have experienced something like that.
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Ok now that’s kind of gross. It is common for there to be clots. He should tell his doctor though whenever passing clots. Feel free to take it to the doctor when he goes next time.
Likely a scab but I am not a pathologist and none of us can really tell you for sure what it is with certainty. There are such things as bladder stones though so a doctor is the best bet.
Maybe it’s just me but I’d prefer not to see pictures of anything that comes out of somebody’s body other than a baby (and even that only after its been all cleaned up).
:)
Age 54
10/31/06 dx CIS (TisG3) non-invasive (at 47)
9/19/08 TURB/TUIP dx Invasive T2G3
10/8/08 RC neobladder(at 49)
2/15/13 T4G3N3M1 distant metastases(at 53)
9/2013 finished chemo -cancer free again
1/2014 ct scan results….distant mets
2/2014 ct result…spread to liver, kidneys, and lymph system
My opinions are my own and do not reflect the opinion of ABLCS or anyone else. I am not a doctor nor do I play one on TV.
Hi Guys,
Just to keep you updated, my dad is already in USA and we are waiting for second TURBT to be scheduled.
I have one question. Today my dad urinated some kind of chunk (not blood) – you can see attachment.
This look like part of healed wound or I don’t know how to describe it. The size of it is about half inch. Did you guys experience something like that? His last TURBT was 1 month ago.
Thanks for your responses and help.
Best Regards,
SargisAttachments:
Thank You so much guys for all your opinions, support and help !!! It really helps in these hard times. My dad will be back in USA tomorrow. I will keep you guys updated.
Thanks and God bless you ALL !!!
I agree with you GKLINE Who would want something inside you that would kill you. not me.
Barbara
Dx 4-28-08
pT3a no mo
Rc with Ileal Conduit on 6-09-08
2nd surgery on 6-27-09 for ureter leak
Renal failure on 7-01-09 nephy tube and then stent on 7-09-09
so far so good
Sargis… So sorry about your Dad’s recent diagnosis. I hope his choice of treatment goes well whichever path he decides to take.
Groucho… Good luck on your TURBT this week. Hope all goes well and the results are in your favor!
Best wishes… CatherineTURBT 1/21/10 at age 55
Dx: T2aN0M0 Primary Bladder Adenocarcinoma
Partial Cystectomy 2/25/10
Vanderbilt Medical Center
Nashville, TN
Has anyone actually seen a bladder? I mean, It is one ugly, slimey, yucky thing! If we go through all this effort to save something……… Why are we trying to save something so ……. well, “Ikkkkkkkkeeeeeyyy”
If I was diagnosed today with bladder cancer and the Dr. gave me the choice of bladder sparing, with the chance of an RC down the road; or having the Radical Cystectomey Now…………. I would still want that rat bastard cancer out of there NOW!
In short….. I’d do it all again.
George
Light a man a fire and he is warm for an evening.
Light a man ON fire and he’s warm forever.08/08/08…RC neo bladder
09/09/09…New Hip
=
New Man! [/size]
Mike, nice photo, is that a bruise I see on your forehead from banging it against the wall on this case. :)
Duke
The reason that article doesn’t mention bladder replacement is because the article is about doctor’s not following protocol for treatment. That lack of following protocol is the NCCN guidelines. The NCCN guidelines DO RECOMMEND removal of the cancerous bladder for Stage 2 or beyond. Doctor’s who do NOT follow that protocol have more patients who die.
You don’t have to have your bladder removed. You can choose to try to keep your bladder forever. That choice increases your chances of bladder cancer killing you but you are allowed to choose whatever option you want.
I chose aggressive treatment and have had no recurrence for over three years now.
The NNCN guidelines are there for a reason. Following them saves lives.
Mike
Age 54
10/31/06 dx CIS (TisG3) non-invasive (at 47)
9/19/08 TURB/TUIP dx Invasive T2G3
10/8/08 RC neobladder(at 49)
2/15/13 T4G3N3M1 distant metastases(at 53)
9/2013 finished chemo -cancer free again
1/2014 ct scan results….distant mets
2/2014 ct result…spread to liver, kidneys, and lymph system
My opinions are my own and do not reflect the opinion of ABLCS or anyone else. I am not a doctor nor do I play one on TV.
Iam the outlier here. I had TURBTS for stage 2 cancer in September. I am not convinced replacement bladders are that great. I have sought a second opinion and and finally got the follow up scoping I need. I do have another tumor to be removed this week. I will be scoped every 3 months and maybe some chemo.
It is interesting this news article from the home page here says nothing about bladder replacement http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2011/07/29/eveningnews/main20085671.shtml
You are very fortunate that you live close to one of the best places in the US for the treatment of bladder cancer….
The University of Southern California, Norris Center! It is always a good idea to get a second opinion, since not all urologists are experts in the treatment of bladder cancer. I believe that is what RBMC meant in his posting. If you are able, a second opinion and review of your dad’s case at USC would be a great option.Sara Anne
Diagnosis 2-08 Small papillary TCC; CIS
BCG; BCG maintenance
Vice-President, American Bladder Cancer Society
Forum Moderator
Thanks for your response.
We live in Los Angeles, California. When you are saying “its time to decide where you want to proceed in the USA” – what exactly do you mean with that? Are there any places that are much better for treatment then others in USA? If there are which places are those? which hospitals? which oncologists/urologists? Any suggestions?Thanks.
Sounds like you’re on the right track as you begin this unfortunate journey. Now it’s time to decide where you want to proceed in the USA. You have the reports, and maybe get a 2nd opinion on those also. That will help the doctor you choose evaluate the situation. And probably agree to the waiting period for a 2nd look. That’s the time when they will suggest treatments or other options. Anxiety and fear seem normal, but soon you’ll be zeroed in on your specific case. Good luck, and welcome. RB
Dear Mike,
Thank You so much for all the information.
I will go ahead and do more research online about removing bladder, neobladders etc.
Best Regards,
Sargis.
:(
Yes, the prostate comes out when they remove the bladder. They can do nerve sparing surgery to retain erectile function.
Losing a bladder beats being dead or dying from metastatic cancer any day of the week!
If it is muscle invasive, the gold standard for treatment is removal.
You may want to tell him about the site so he can ask his questions also.
Mike
Age 54
10/31/06 dx CIS (TisG3) non-invasive (at 47)
9/19/08 TURB/TUIP dx Invasive T2G3
10/8/08 RC neobladder(at 49)
2/15/13 T4G3N3M1 distant metastases(at 53)
9/2013 finished chemo -cancer free again
1/2014 ct scan results….distant mets
2/2014 ct result…spread to liver, kidneys, and lymph system
My opinions are my own and do not reflect the opinion of ABLCS or anyone else. I am not a doctor nor do I play one on TV.Sign In to reply.
