Well I have finally got new info pertaining to my bladder tumor and had to hold off getting into the VA for an additional week as I got pretty severe flu related issues not related to my surgery.. I finally got in for follow up and removal of my foley catheter (I hated that damn thing).and received the following info on my biopsies, ALL WERE LOW GRADE/NON INVASIVE. My doctor even seemed surprised as the size of the tumor was over 5CM and the location was almost on the floor of the bladder impeding my left ureter. Anyway, I am very happy with the results thus far and am scheduled for additional surgery to do some touch up work on the attaching surface (with more biopsies) and removal of a stent from my left kidney to my bladder. This touch up surgery is supposed to be on an outpatient basis and will be completed on July 3rd. Prognosis as of now is that no additional treatment is planned with the exception of followup cystoscopy's every 90 days. If I have issues with the tumor coming back, then additional treatment will be planned. I may have been one of the lucky people but only the future will tell the full story. I am still going to continually monitor on this blog as everyone going through this process needs and deserves to know they have support from those that have been in the position of having their Doctor tell them they have bladder cancer.
I have gone through a bunch of emotional draining issues in my 66 years, but the diagnosis of bladder cancer has by far been the most feared and humbling experience in my life. In the military, uniformed folks have to bond together for joint protection and emotional support that is vital is succeeding in meeting the missions goal. This blog serves that very purpose for folks receiving a bladder cancer diagnosis.