New Bladder Cancer Pt

I can't speak about BCG since I didn't have it, but I can say that after 8½ years of having instruments shoved up my penis into my bladder it doesn't seem quite the big deal it was the first few times. Anxiety is a large part of pain. Aside from the numbing gel, if you can't relax you might consider asking your doctor for a prescription for Xanax or Valium to take on the day of the cystoscopy. You will always dislike cystoscopies (including the anxiety that something might be found) but you will get used to them.

Bill: Yep. I thought he went in with a TV camera on a telephone pole the first time they removed a tumor. Took me a WHILE to get over it. I ended up like Mike with a neobladder, but take the advise and go for the second opinions too. Remember, the BEST doctors in the world can't work on kings and presidents ALL the time, somebody has to pay for their lifestyle.

Bill...see that you're in Virginia...don't know where you are being treated but with a diagnosis of Cancer a second opinion is a pretty good idea. Your uro is going at lightening speed right now. It is recommended these days to have a repeat TURB to make sure all margins have been gotten and that requires a uro/surgeon who is well versed in bladder cancer. And the pathology department is also of utmost importance....too many of these are understaged. I might recommend that you try Johns Hopkins for a second opinion. Dr. Mark Schoenberg is a top specialist in this area.
urology.jhu.edu/markschoenberg/index.php
Pat

Hi Bill

I have had 3 turbts and 30 BCG treatments. I have now ben cancer free for 17 months. I am hoping the BCG has worked and I will remain cancer free.
I agree with Mike regarding the numbing jell. Just have them insert it 5-10 minutes before your treatment. I had it for my last 12 treatments. I wish they had used it for my 1st 18 (lol). It makes a huge difference.
Also you started BCG very soon after your Turbt. My Uro would wait 6 weeks after each Turbt before I started BCG. He wanted the bladder to heal from the operation. But everyone is different.
I wish you much success with the BCG.
Jack