i want to fight a good fight; i am afraid; i feel alone; i have faith

Hi Ms...

Well, you got your answers about second opinions.
Get yourself to a good smart specialist in the field. The fact that you are relatively young and in good shape despite having gone through MVAC is a good sign, as that's probably the most difficult of all the chemo regimens for blc. The second line chemo is much easier (or so I hear), Gemzar and Cisplatin, or if you've had cisplatin in the MVAC, carboplatin is then often used.

There are many other new combos being tried...you need a good doctor who knows all about this.

Best wishes, and we'll be talking.
Wendy
PS my internet has been down, phone too, since last week, so aside from snagging an unsecured wirelesss line once in while I"m incommunicado and I hate that

To Zachary -- That "B" sound like a gift or grade inflation to me. I think I flunked. I do think that taking someone else works well. When I was in Boston, I almost always took my sister or son or a very dear friend. It really did help. I told them all the questions in advance and they made sure the one(s) I couldn't seem to get out got out. Here, both my husband and son (I have 2 sons in all) are
high school teachers and I do not ask them to take time off, generally. Besides,
I am a communication! (how poignantly ironic) teacher. I think I can, I think I can.

Thanks, To Patricia and each of you who said something about 2nd opinions. I guess I don't know the first thing about seeking a second opinion, but I do know insurance pays something for second opinions.

By the way, something new is going on in my body today (sujective impression). I think it may be something good, generally -- though it is associated with the beginning of the end for my pretty new white curly hair that's -sigh- beginning to come out....It feels like a kind of rush of joy-energy, more mellow than adreneline, but definitely energizing. (No new meds.)

Maybe the feeling is coming from your support instead of or in addition to the chemo. I hope it is the latter.
-- MSSMR

Well i had 5 second opinions each with surgeons who specialized in women and bladder cancer......I made my pick. Pat

Professor, I'm going to give you a "B" for this appointment. An unasked question is like an unread book or an uneaten truffle.

During my first couple of meeting with my doctor, I brought my wife along and gave her a copy of my questions so she could take notes and make sure that every one of them was answered. I'm very fortunate, because she is very good at that.

Can you bring your husband along for your next appointment? In the big scheme of things, he not only should be involved with this part of your treatment, he's your number one caretaker and support group. If you can't bring yourself to ask the questions, I'll bet he'd love to help you.

Zach

Mssmr,,,,,I agree, the second opinion facility should not be restricted from treating you. Many on this forum got a second opinion and used that facility for surgery. Its all about your choice and who you are comfortable with. So stick to your guns and get it right for you.......Merry Christmas to you and your family,,Ginger Beane

MSSMR,

I have not heard that a second opinion excludes the Dr. from taking your case. That is one of the reasons why you are getting a second opinion. Anyone else want to chime in here?

As far as questions for the Dr. I suggest handing him your list as soon as you get in, and for you to leave spaces for answers under each question. As he is reading your questions, you could write in the answers on your sheet. That way you can look at it later when you are in a better frame of mind. You can't forget to get an answer either. It will probably seem a little strange at first, but it just may work for you, especially if you are a "Paper Person", and not a big talker.

I suggest a second opinion, and also find out how other Dr's/Facilities are treating your type of Bladder Cancer Mets.

I am able and willing to talk anytime,
Karen