21m with bladder cancer

15 years 10 months ago #17060 by Patricia
Replied by Patricia on topic 21m with bladder cancer
I did see that rare reaction to mitomycin C.........
Cystitis, atrophy of the bladder, contracted bladder (pollakiuria, dysuria), and calcinosis have been reported when given by intravesical instillation.
I was initially alarmed by the very young age of this man and the region where he has been serving for the past year.
I hope he will be able to contact Dr. Schoenberg.
Pat

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15 years 10 months ago #17055 by wendy
Replied by wendy on topic 21m with bladder cancer
Hi,

I answered your blog message with some info I received from Dr. Schoenberg from John Hopkins, he said that this could be a rare reaction to the Mitomycin, but since nobody can diagnose a bladder over the web...suggested you make an appointment there to see him.

Take care, and I hope things get better very quickly.
Wendy

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15 years 10 months ago #16662 by Patricia
Replied by Patricia on topic 21m with bladder cancer
vet...you might be on to something with the parasite...you are alfully young to have bladder cancer but it is seen in countries where the parasite exists in the water....
The cause of this particular bladder cancer is a parasite in Africa and other tropical regions. This parasite, known as Schistosoma haematobium, may contribute to the risk of cancer by affecting the metabolism of cigarette smoke or by causing irritation of the bladder. These parasites are often responsible for causing bladder cancer in younger individuals.
Now...Read this...this also explains the calcifications that exist only in Schistosoma haematobium........its the eggs from the flukes that have calcified.........
www.emedicine.com/RADIO/topic621.htm
I doubt that many uros have seen this...you probably need a specialist of rare bladder cancers. Where are you located and do you have the resources to go someplace other than a VA hospital?
Pat

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15 years 10 months ago #16660 by Julie
Replied by Julie on topic 21m with bladder cancer
Dear Vet, Most of the people who have bladder cancer have no clear reason why they have it. For may it is associated with smoking but there are plenty of people with bladder cancer who have never smoked.
My husband had an infection that partially was caused by the BCG he had to treat Bladder Cancer. The urologist called in an Infectious Disease specialist to treat that. It is probably a good idea to have one involved in your treatment as they would hopefully be more knowledgeable about diseases in Iraq.
Many of us have come to the Bladder Cancer Web Cafe because we are doing our own research. I hope your Doctors can find a way to ease your pain. Julie

Volunteer Coordinator
ABLSC

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15 years 10 months ago #16659 by Rosemary
Replied by Rosemary on topic 21m with bladder cancer
Dear Vet,

Wow!! What a mystery!

Well, where to begin? I assume that you have had BCG treatment since you are referring to a TB type infection in the bladder??

Another question....are you being treated at a VA hospital and in what area of the country?

Calcifications? Is that another term for bladder stones, so is this like sand embedded into the bladder wall??

Lots of questions for you, I know. I hope that you will keep talking to us, and someone somewhere will have had a similar experience that will help to give a clue on this situation.

The Iraq issue throws a different variable into the situation, but if it is a reason for the condition, why are you the only one??

Please keep talking to us.

Best regards,
Rosemary

Rosemary
Age - 55
T1 G3 - Tumor free 2 yrs 3 months
Dx January 2006

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15 years 10 months ago #16657 by oifcombatvet
21m with bladder cancer was created by oifcombatvet
Hello I am 21 years old. Nov 2007, after I urinated blood on and off for 10 months, I learned that I had bladder cancer. After serving 2 tours in Iraq and having no family history of bladder cancer it's been frustrating that the military, VA, and civilian doctors can not determine how I contracted the cancer or how to treat the symtoms after surgery. My first surgery December 2nd I had a turbt,and a single treatment of mytomycin for one hour. Since that time I have had 5 more surgeries due to multiple complications that are an enigma to my doctors. Since the first surgery I have had severe pain while I urinate, numerous infections, blood in the urine and small to medium size clots of blood on and off. The last 5 surgeries that I've had since the first one have included what doctors seem to think is WHITE CALCIFICATIONS embeded on my bladder wall. Every doctor/urologist has not been able to explain why these calcifications grow within the tissue of the bladder wall, instead of free flowing through the urine. All biopsies that have been performed, even those taken two weeks ago, come back negative for any type of deformality. I have taken numerous anti-biotics and differnt types of medicine. This case has been introduced to over 30 urologist who all have mixed opinions, but no true answers. Some say it could be due to severe inflamation, parasites in the water in Iraq, bad reaction to the mytomycin, or even being infected with TB in the bladder from the chemo One of my urologists has suggested I go see an Infectious Disease specialists. At this point, I am starting to search for answers on my own. Anyone knowledgeable on this issue or willing to research my case is welcomed by me to voice opinions. I appreciate any insight. Thank you for your time.

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