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reoccuring tumors
I first learned that I had bladder cancer 10 years ago. My first tumor was removed back then. I went thru the follow up cycle for about a year and a half with no reoccurences. I was transferred (thru my job) to Philadelphia. Never followed up with a new urologist I ignored a serious condition for 7 years. Since then I have moved back to florida and on April 2010 the warning came back to me (like in 2002) by way of blood in the urine. Since then I have had numerous tumors removed on 4 different occasions still in stage 0-1. My last tumor removal was in Dec 2011. Then followed up with 6 treatments of the BCG. Had a biospy done in April 2012 and everything was fine (no tumors). Did 3 more BCG treatments soon afterward. Then in the middle of June more blood in the urine. My july 18th scheduled cystoscopy was moved to july 5th and more bad news. My Urologist hinted that with all the quick reoccurences and the BCG treatments not slowing the tumors down I may lose my bladder. Right now I am scheduled to have the tumors removed on the 16th of july. I just would like to hear some thoughts and comments on what may lie ahead for me…..thanks! a new guy.
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11 Replies
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This is another good source of info on grade. http://cancerhelp.cancerresearchuk.org/type/bladder-cancer/treatment/bladder-cancer-stage-and-grade
It is from the UK but I like it better than any other because it has a good picture. Superficial is just the innermost lining of the bladder. It can be very high grade, such as CIS or low grade.
Stage means “how far has the tumor penetrated”.
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.
That’s a good question.
Superficial cancer is one that is highly treatable and usually can be kept in check with a TURBS (removal of the tumor with out other treatments like BCG or Chemo.
Here is my information on it:
Cancer that is confined to the lining of the bladder is called superficial bladder cancer also known as Ta. This means that the cells have not penetrated the lining or muscle of the bladder yet. Also know as non-invasive.
The problem is that the stage and grades of cancer have changed over the years, due to the fact that the older names were not as accurate at describing what stage the cancer was at. So some people know it by the old name, and some by the new.
It can be confusing but hang in there we are here to help.
Mark
Age 55
Diagnosed BC 12/20/2011 Ta No Mo 0a Non-Invasive At age 48
“Please don’t cry because it is over….. Smile because it happened!” {Dr. Seuss} :)
What is superficial stage
I agree with Mike completely on this one.
P.S. Yes Mike I was a little shocked by your answer.
Mark
Age 55
Diagnosed BC 12/20/2011 Ta No Mo 0a Non-Invasive At age 48
“Please don’t cry because it is over….. Smile because it happened!” {Dr. Seuss} :)
Still sounds like another opinion from a major bladder cancer center is in order.
Low grade can certainly progress enough over time to the point that the bladder should come out. But unless the grade has changed, and as long as it has all be T0, then it seems like maybe bcg/interferon blend or some mitomycin instillations or something could be tried before doing an radical cystectomy. Note I said “could” not “should”. I really think it is worth following up with a 2nd opinion.
I know my statements above may shock some who’ve seen me harping on highly aggressive treatment over the years, but with “low grade” I am of a different mind set.
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.
Hi Mike, Low grade tumors
high grade or low grade?
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.
Thanks Catherine for your warm welcome! I believe this site is going to be very helpful and encouraging to me along the way!
Thanks Mike for your reply. I did fail to mention that I am at the superficial stage.
New Guy,
Do you have a stage and grade? Number of recurrences doesn’t trigger the decision for bladder removal so much if the tumors are low grade. Lots of “it depends” with bladder cancer. Any recurrence of high grade should give pause to consider removal.
What I can tell you though is having your bladder out isn’t so terrible in the grand scheme of things. I had mine out 3 years and 9 months ago and I’m cancer free and doing fine. Lots of others with similar stories who have had their bladders removed as well.
Before getting it removed or deciding for sure to get it removed, get to a top bladder cancer hospital. You want a surgeon that performs the particular diversion (neobladder, Indiana Pouch, ileal conduit) surgery that you prefer at LEAST 50 times a year. Enough studies have shown this to be the case and anecdotal information based on the folks who visit here also seems to align with the studies. Better outcomes and fewer side effects come from doctors who perform these surgeries over and over and over again. The hospitals they work out of also have better nursing for the care of radical cystectomy patients.
If you do have to get the surgery, there is a lot more information we can share. Look around these forums for questions from others and you can learn a lot to start.
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.
Hello Charlie (just a guess :) ?)… I just wanted to welcome you to the forum and I am glad you found us since you are dealing with a persistent situation. I can’t really comment about that since my type of BC was different than yours and my experience has not included BCG.
There are many others who have had similar experiences here who can share what they have learned and been through. Sorry you’ve had such a rough time again and I’m sure you’ll receive more posts soon.
Best wishes,
Catherine
Best wishes… CatherineTURBT 1/21/10 at age 55
Dx: T2aN0M0 Primary Bladder Adenocarcinoma
Partial Cystectomy 2/25/10
Vanderbilt Medical Center
Nashville, TNSign In to reply.
