How important is fast removal vs. good doc?

Ginny, first to try to answer the question that is most bothering you. That tumor has probably been there for a long time. Another month will not make a difference now. Six months? Yes. One month? No.

Also, IF the diagnosis does turn out to be bladder cancer, your urologist will become your "best friend." You will be seeing him/her every three months for at least two years and then frequently after that. You need some one in whom you have confidence and whom you trust.

Be sure you are seeing someone who has treated LOTs of bladder cancer...some urologist do so many prostates that they really do not know that much about bladder cancer.

Best of luck to you and feel free to ask any questions that come up...No doubt someone here on the Forum has been there and has an answer.

Sara Anne

Hello Ginny... Welcome and I am so glad you have found our forum. I know you are still reeling from that visit, but I want you to know right away that bladder cancer is very treatable, especially in the early stages.

I think you may have answered your own question already. If the uro you saw gave you the creeps, he is not the doctor for you.

Did he diagnose you just from a cystoscopy (looking in your bladder), or did he actually do biopsies or remove a tumor? If he only was looking inside your bladder, there is NO way he could determine that it was low-grade or otherwise.

Given his abrupt manner and not taking time to explain anything else to you, I strongly suggest you see the other (or even a third) urologist. When you have bladder cancer, even low-grade, you will have a life-long relationship with your uro so it needs to be a good match.

I know January seems a long way off, but perhaps you can ask to be placed on their cancellation list should something open up sooner. At any rate, I would not trust this unfeeling uro with my future health. I am anxious to see what others here think.