-
Questions to ask consultant
My mum was diagnosed with bladder cancer last year, after previously having it in her kidney and having that removed. She had the cancer removed and had a few bcg treatments. Recently she has been told that the results of biopsies show a ‘nasty cancer’ and they want to remove her bladder. I’m going with her to see her consultant tomorrow and if anyone could give me any ideas as to the questions I should ask I would be really grateful. My mum is thinking of not having the surgery as she’s been told she would have five years without the surgery, or 10-15 years if she has it. She is understandably very frightened of the surgery but I don’t want to lose my mum. Thanks for any advice.
-
6 Replies
-
Glad to hear about a good diagnostic procedure, and excellent communication to help determine your plan. With what you’ve said, especially about avoiding future chemo, your decision seems to be a good one at this time. There seems to be trust in your medical team, and that you have the confidence that the “specialist” is qualified to perform the procedure. That part is important, as will be the follow-ups. Mom sounds positive, which will help during the recovery period. Yes, it’s a major event. You’ll both be pushed to limits during what seems like forever. As recovery becomes complete, it will feel great to be on the other side and cancer free, and the new normal will have you back to a normal lifestyle. Best wishes on your journey to success.
-
Thank you so much for your response. We had the appointment with the consultant. He confirmed that the cancer was confined to bladder and hadn’t gone into the muscle at present. We’ve asked if he can put my mum in touch with some of his previous patients as I think my mum would really benefit from speaking to someone who has gone through this and has ‘come out the other side’. She has decided to have the surgery, which is scheduled for mid June. I am so relieved that today’s appointment was so positive and that she’s made this decision. Thank you both for your responses, they really are helpful.
-
I know this is a Very difficult subject to discuss with anyone, especially when there is so much you don’t know and want to know.
I would ask if the cancer is confined in the bladder. If it has not penetrated the muscle then having the bladder removed is going to “Get Rid” of the cancer.
There are many here that have had their bladder’s removed and are still here and kicking.
The alternative to “NOT Having” the bladder removed is letting that little bastard out into the rest of the body. And then it really cannot be stopped. If that cancer can survive in the bladder environment, then imagine what it can do outside.If the Dr’s think that your mother is strong enough for a bladder removal…. then I think it’s the way to go.
I’m rooting for you and your mom…. You will be needed immensely in the coming weeks.
Sincerely
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] -
I think that the clue to why they feel that RC is necessary is in the description of this cancer as “nasty.” You may want to add this question to your list, but my guess would be that it is high grade, meaning that it has the propensity to spread rather rapidly.
Sara Anne
Diagnosis 2-08 Small papillary TCC; CIS
BCG; BCG maintenance
Vice-President, American Bladder Cancer Society
Forum Moderator -
Thank you so much for your reply. I am confused by why they are saying bladder removal is necessary as they told my mum that it hadn’t gone in to her muscle but I can ask that tomorrow. It’s the ideal conduit that she would have, they didn’t mention any other option. The specialist told her that sometimes the bowel does not recover so she may need a colostomy bag as well. My mum’s health hasn’t been great, she had breast cancer twice, then her kidney and now this. I know chemo is not an option as they tried it when she had kidney cancer and her body couldn’t cope with it due to the large amounts she had when battling breast cancer and they’ve said she won’t be able to have it again. She’s only 63 and five years does not seem long enough, but I suppose no amount of time would.
-
Oh Katie, I am so sorry to hear about your mother. She is lucky to have you by her side.
At this point, as the doctors have told her, it is either the surgery or nothing. It would, of course, depend on her age and state of health, but if the doctors are recommending an RC they must feel that she would be able to deal with it. The surgery is a major one, with a relatively long recovery time, but once that is over the cancer should be GONE. Many people live very long and fulfilling lives after.
Things to ask the doctors?
1. Is this a realistic prospect given her age and physical condition?
2. What diversion are they recommending? There are three major types, but the simplest both surgically and recovery-wise is the ileal condiut where the urine is diverted into an external bag.
3. Is there any evidence that the cancer has spread beyond the bladder? That would make an RC almost irrelevant.
4. I don’t quite understand the 10-15 years comment. IF the cancer is confined to the bladder, an RC would be a “cure.”If your mother chose NOT to do the surgery, what is the prognosis? Not just years, but quality of life, pain and discomfort?
I am sure that these few questions will stir more in your mind.
Wishing you both all the best
Sara Anne
Diagnosis 2-08 Small papillary TCC; CIS
BCG; BCG maintenance
Vice-President, American Bladder Cancer Society
Forum Moderator
Log in to reply.