Scared

Well today after an awful nights rest, I made an appointment to talk to my primary doctor. I know I need to get the TURBT done but having seconds thoughts if I should just get it done locally or still go to Mayo? As I've said previously my wife is a HUGE Mayo fan, as she said they were written up in US News & Report as #1 in Urology. But not sure if this is all true? Reason I'm second guessing is since we are in the Chicagoland suburbs we have access to quality healthcare, in fact I live very close to Northwestern-Central DuPage Hospital and could see Dr. Brett Trockman - the original person who did the biopsy. Or I could see Dr. Stephen Boorjian at Mayo who has excellent credentials, but will have to be gone from my boys for 3 days, encounter hotel, and dining bills. As you know Mayo can be a very daunting place. I guess I don't want to make the wrong decision. I'm sure you all have been in my place. And I would appreciate your insight. I know my wife would be saying to me do t get to many chiefs, but I fell that you who belong to this American cancer society know as the individual dealing with this would be kind enough with your perspective. Thanks and God bless,

Jim,

Procedures vary a bit with different docs, different patients, and the specifics. That said, let me add a little bit to the mix.

An INITAL screening and work up includes taking a history, a cystoscope exam and CT scans with and without contrast. These allow the doc to compare the complaint with what can be SEEN on the surface of the bladder and other organs AND deeper into the tissues.

THEN, the decision to examine further can be made.

If something suspicious (a tumor or growth) is found or suspected, a biopsy is needed to determine what IT is, and if cancerous, what is the grade and the stage. The biopsy material goes to the pathologist for that determination. The process of obtaining the material the TUR or TURBT - TransUurethral Resection of Bladder Tumor.

IF the pathologist rates a tumor as cancerous, s/he will examine the sample to see if the whole tumor was removed. In other words, was the tumor surrounded by normal cells (clean margins) OR is it likely that part of the tumor was left behind ? If there is any question, a second TURBT will take place to remove a bit more of the surrounding tissue and get the whole tumor.

Only at this point - with a full understanding of the situation - can further treatment decisions be made. It appears that you are just now about to reach this point.

As to your 6 questions, my comments do not disagree with Sara Anne, but do differ slightly. Again, " Procedures vary a bit with different docs, different patients, and the specifics" , and my experiences differ a bit. It appears to me that...

1. You do not yet seem to have had a full initial workup.
2. Only the superficial sample was sent to path. The tumor shown on CT has not been examined.
3. I have been offered a spinal for 3 TUR procedures by 2 different anesthesiologists. I prefer a general to a spinal, so I decline. Obviously, with some docs it is an option. Talk to your doc.
4. After 3 of the last 4 TUR procedures I have had a catheter overnight. It depends on the doc, and how much residual bleeding is anticipated. I have "clogged" from blood clots - unable to urinate, which is NOT fun at all - and had the 3 AM run to ER to have the bladder clots pumped out. Trust the doc to decide. We all hate being cathed. (or are grateful when it is necessary). It is funny how quickly our perspective on things urological changes after diagnosis.
5. The upcoming TURBT, I assume, will provide initial info about the tumor found on CT, and may be intended to learn further about the papillary tumors. Ask the doc. Expect TURBTs on a regular basis as part of ongoing monitoring and prevention.
6. Grade and Stage are important. Size, for a change, is just a number.

Best, Jack

I just had my turb last week and awaiting results on biopsy. I let a local urologist perform this, and hope I didn't make a mistake. I chose UT Southwestern Medical in Dallas to go next on June 20th, with Mayo and MD Anderson as backups. I have so much anxiety so I understand your concerns.. This forum has helped me tremendously and glad you also found it. I went in at 6:30 am and was home by 1:00 pm. The procedure only lasted 45 minutes and the doctor said he got all the tumor. I did not have to have a catheter. I mostly felt pressure and small bit of cramping, but no real pain. I got up the next morning and carried on with my work and house chores and have had no problems. I have been careful not to lift anything over 10 pounds. I just wanted to set your mind at ease on the procedure and hope the best for you. You are in my thoughts and prayers..

Janice

Blood in urine 4/17/2016
Ultrasound, CT Scan, TURBT

Thanks Sara Anne.. For your kindness and understanding.