Hello to a fellow Oregonian!!
Warren, the problem with bladder cancer is that it is notorious for coming back. Assuming that what you have is the least serious
kind, and assuming the "usual" protocol, you will be having cystoscopy exams every three months for two years, then every six months until five years are up, and then once a year after that.
With an "occasional" CT-urogram thrown in.
IF it returns, or if it turns out to be a little more complicated, such as CIS (carcinoma in situ...a high grade form) you would have
BCG treatments over a period of about a year and a half. If, worst case scenerio, it is muscle invasive, you are looking at very curative, albeit very expensive surgery.
IF you can handle it, the state insurance might be a good idea; once you have been diagnosed with cancer, as you know, it is very difficult to find insurance and, as we age, other things happen to us.
Where are you being treated? I am being seen by Dr. Daniel Janoff at Urologic Consultants, St. Vincents Portland
Best of luck to you
Sara Anne
