Joining the BC Club: Episode 3

12 years 4 months ago #40118 by rbmc
Replied by rbmc on topic Joining the BC Club: Episode 3
Hi Catherine......
The move to find action was welcome, although the ride found a few surprises along the way. But positive ones, and I'm still here. I'm sure he was aggressively gentle. It was the body that didn't approve of that extra piece poked up in there. It sure caused a multitude of discomfort for 2 weeks. The battle plan continues, and yes I was mean to extend the journey into another chapter. Thanks.

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12 years 4 months ago #40117 by rbmc
Replied by rbmc on topic Joining the BC Club: Episode 3
Hi Mike.......
y'all were probably wondering what this dumb newbie would do next. My luck held again to find this doc. His action had more surprises than I anticipated, but, here I am. You got the chemo right. He said it was "possible" for side effects, but not normally. It would be difficult for me to comprehend those who get normal chemo. They did a lot, creating much discomfort, and it probably took 3 days for the body to adjust. The goofy stent was more of the problem for 2 weeks. Thanks.

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12 years 4 months ago #40116 by rbmc
Replied by rbmc on topic Joining the BC Club: Episode 3
Hi Sara......
After the first round, I was "contemplating" a second opinion, but wasn't sure how or where. Checking the ABLCS "specialists" found them in Chicago, or Indianapolis. Did I need to jump to extreme? My newbie luck for this case still had me quite positive from finding it early. Something had been done, and I survived the ordeal. It was decided to wait and see what the second procedure revealed. Although cancer was found again, it was also early. But I was disgruntled with the experiences and action from the hospital/doctor. I got lucky finding this new doc. Thanks.

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12 years 4 months ago #40109 by CatherineH
Replied by CatherineH on topic Joining the BC Club: Episode 3
This story is a roller coaster! I'm very happy that you got past the horrors in the beginning and on to a competent and caring doctor, albeit, not so gentle. :(

I agree that having a plan of ACTION is a great stress reducer and you and your doc chose action over observation... a great move. Hope things have continued on a positive path but I suppose we'll have to wait for the "rest of the story" in the next chapter.

Best wishes...
Catherine

Best wishes... Catherine

TURBT 1/21/10 at age 55
Dx: T2aN0M0 Primary Bladder Adenocarcinoma
Partial Cystectomy 2/25/10
Vanderbilt Medical Center
Nashville, TN

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12 years 4 months ago #40108 by mmc
Replied by mmc on topic Joining the BC Club: Episode 3
rbmc,

SO GLAD you got to another doctor!!!! Sounds like things are on the right track for you treatment/doctor-wise. This one certainly sounds like a keeper.

The not eating is more likely to be due to anesthesia. The mitomycin in your bladder is not in the blood stream so it does not carry the same side effects as when given as chemo treatment through the veins.

Great news on the new doc! Really great! All the best.

Mike

Age 54
10/31/06 dx CIS (TisG3) non-invasive (at 47)
9/19/08 TURB/TUIP dx Invasive T2G3
10/8/08 RC neobladder(at 49)
2/15/13 T4G3N3M1 distant metastases(at 53)
9/2013 finished chemo -cancer free again
1/2014 ct scan results....distant mets
2/2014 ct result...spread to liver, kidneys, and lymph...

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12 years 4 months ago #40101 by sara.anne
Replied by sara.anne on topic Joining the BC Club: Episode 3
And people wonder why so many of us recommend (URGE) second opinions. It is hard to say to someone you have never met, only know "online," the way your doc is treating you is making me nervous...he should be doing thus and so....After all, we are NOT doctors, and NOT qualified to give medical opinions. BUT
I will bet that you will be chiming in begging people to get a second opinion!!!

Sounds as if you are now in good hands.

Sara Anne

Diagnosis 2-08 Small papillary TCC; CIS
BCG; BCG maintenance
Vice-President, American Bladder Cancer Society
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