Baby Sister Diagnosed w/BC

17 years 2 months ago #3059 by Rosemary
Replied by Rosemary on topic Baby Sister Diagnosed w/BC
Big Sis,

I thought of this later, and hope that this helps...

This is my understanding of the way that Bladder Cancer progresses (if my memory serves me...)

There are 3 layers of epithelium (skin) that must be invaded before the cancer reaches the muscle.
Once the cancer penetrates those layers, the next place it has to go is the muscle. Once there, the cancer is no longer presumed to be contained within the bladder.

The way the cancer specialist put to me, "if it's in the muscle it's (the bladder) gotta go".

There are many here, who have been that far and farther.

Anyway, please keep us posted.

Rosemary
54
female non-smoker with Bladder Cancer

Rosemary
Age - 55
T1 G3 - Tumor free 2 yrs 3 months
Dx January 2006

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17 years 2 months ago #3058 by Rosemary
Replied by Rosemary on topic Baby Sister Diagnosed w/BC
Big Sis,

When will she go for the bone scan and X rays? I'm not really familiar with the next steps, so maybe someone can jump in here?

I am only guessing from the provided information that the cancer is in the muscle wall. If you talk to your brother-in-law again that might be some good information to get to help us understand.

I'm thinking that it is standard procedure to check for metastases when BC is muscle invasive.

We are pulling for her.

Take care,
Rosemary

Rosemary
Age - 55
T1 G3 - Tumor free 2 yrs 3 months
Dx January 2006

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17 years 2 months ago #3054 by bigsis
Replied by bigsis on topic Baby Sister Diagnosed w/BC
Just heard from my brother-in-law. The news on my sister is not good.  The second urologist said the cancer had invaded the muscle (of the bladder or abdomen?  I am unclear).  She will have a bone scan and another for lung cancer before the operation. Urologist said it was 50/50 that the cancer had spread.  She could be operated on by January 18th.

One thing I'd like to mention is that my sister's family name is "Little Bird."  My avatar means:  "I love you, Little Bird."

The stats are not good:  60 to 80 percent survival/5 years.  I realize that each cancer is unique and that these stats could be skewed by age and gender, etc.

We are all waiting now.

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17 years 2 months ago #3045 by bigsis
Replied by bigsis on topic Baby Sister Diagnosed w/BC
Jean!
Thank you and bless you!  I will send this info to my sister at once via e-mail.  And then call her before she goes for her appointment at UCONN today.  I cannot thank you enough.

How are you doing?

Must look up St. Peregrine. *smile*

My sincere wishes for your complete recovery.  You are in my prayers.

Clara

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17 years 2 months ago #3044 by Jmema
Replied by Jmema on topic Baby Sister Diagnosed w/BC
Hi Bis Sis,
I had my cystectomy Oct. 19th. at Hartford Hospital. My surgeon was Dr. Vicent P. Laudone. He is an amazing surgeon and is very soft spoken and kind. He teaches this operation at UConn and was a fellow at Sloane Kettering. The care at Hartford Hospital was fabulous and although I didn't need chemo I think he uses Gray Cancer Center for his patients. I don't know if your sister contacted a Dr. who uses that center she might get in faster and if she needs a surgeon and really good care she couldn't find any better than Dr. Laudone. Of course, that is only my opinion but he took really good care of me.
Wishing you and your sister all the best. You will be in my prayers to St. Peregrine.
Jean

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17 years 2 months ago #3039 by bigsis
Replied by bigsis on topic Baby Sister Diagnosed w/BC
Just wanted to drop by and say thank you for the words of support!  

Spoke with my sister yesterday.  She was in good spirits, but in a lot of pain.  Said she is taking it hour-by-hour until her next appointment Tuesday, Jan. 2.

Meanwhile, I have signed up for a local program ("Coping with Cancer") for patients and families, and friends of cancer patients.  It will begin on Jan. 11 and lasts for 4 weeks.  I am determined to become as educated as I can.  I have passed on the link to this amazing site to my sister and her husband, their daughter, and our brother.  As I get the e-addresses of other family members and friends, they, too, will get the link!  :)

~~~~~

One other thing:  Sister told me that she wanted to get an appointment at the Gray Cancer Center at  Hartford Hospital in CT, but they were not accepting appointments until February.  Can anyone suggest ways to get around this???  

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