I am re-posting this because the blog section is no longer active so the links I had in the original post were not functioning anymore....
For the newly diagnosed, I put together a 'map of the journey' for bladder cancer treatment.
A lot of folks have printed this out and used it as a discussion tool with their doctor. It has been reviewed by my surgeon and others and their feedback has been incorporated.
The pathways in the flowchart represent my understanding of the recommended treatments and is a consolidation of my experience and knowledge, research I've done into bladder cancer, reviews by doctors, and reviews by other patients/survivors/members of this site.
I hope you find it helpful.
If all else fails, see this version that I posted to Wikipedia:
Treatment Guide on Wikipedia
(For the Wikipedia version click it twice once it opens and it will make it bigger/smaller.)
Here is the Word file version:
Mike
<strong>
<em>The purpose of this chart is to <em>assist</em> you in educating yourself so you have informed discussions with your doctor(s). Use this along with a list of your own questions. Write everything down and keep good notes. Don't rely on memory when talking to your doctor. You are your own best advocate. </em>
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(PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS FLOW CHART IS THE WORK OF THE AUTHOR AND NOT THE WORK OF THE ABLCS AND IT IS NOT ENDORSED BY THE ABLCS.)