New here

Its so difficult to think clearly at this time for you so if you can have someone go with you to each and every doctor's appointment - it would be very helpful. The information can be overwhelming.

I would strongly recommend going to a cancer center since they are so much more familiar with the surgeries, treatments, etc. You want to know the experience of the doctor in the particular diversion that you choose. Do not be afraid to ask! This is a very complex surgery. Experience counts!

Also be sure to research the 3 options out there and try to fit them to your individual situation, personality and life style. I opted for an Indiana pouch and have been very pleased with my decision.

This is something you take one step at a time. Finding the right surgeon is a major part of the whole journey.

Just know that you will get through it.

Gracie

I know this is no help, but 7 to 10 weeks is a good amount of time. Just Breath and try to relax. It is overwhelming now. But it will get better.


Ok so the kidney Doctor needs to have a look see and probably a few tests. Mine were fairly routine and I carried the results from Dr. to Dr. You may also need a CT scan. I found these tests could all be performed at a single location. I live in upstate NY so Atlanta must be WAAY ahead of us. One thing, never trust the testing facility to send the results over. Twice I had to waste a visit because of not having results. I found that a polite " I'd like to have the cd or folder to take with me"

As for the surgeon... You didn't mention the specific surgery.... But any surgery requires an Assembly line worker. The more surgeries the better. If they have trained at a Bladder cancer center (Like MD Anderson) so much the better.

And Finally, ATTITUDE... Get a GOOD one. This will see you in good stead. Let the surgeon know you a a valuable commodity and want to live a long life.... They LIKE knowing the patient is ready to fight.

I am sure you will find all sorts of very technical help from the other members of this site. They know what they are talking about. I was never able to have the time to reflect upon this much. When I was diagnosed I had 2 quick robotic surgeries in one month and 5 days after the last one I had radical surgery to remove the bladder and install a neo.

Good Luck and don't be a stranger We are here for you.

George Kline

Hi Pat and everyone,

Thanks Pat for sending me an email, but it disappeared after I read it. I hit the wrong button I guess. I live close to Atlanta, Georgia. I saw a oncology uro specialist yesterday, he said I was a T2 and the tumor was aggressive.Said my CT scan was clear so far. That I would need surgery in 7 to 10 weeks. He wants to set me up to have a stress test and to see a kidney Dr. since my creatine was a little high. This Doctor sees a lot of these cases I just not sure how to check Doctors backgrounds, I don't feel like a have a lot of time to get everything in line. Any advice would be helpful.

Lynn