Thanks Alan,
Interestingly, the CTRC has an MD Anderson-trained bladder cancer specialist here in San Antonio...Dr Robert Svatek. I plan to seek a 2nd opinion from him, but not sure if Tricare will cover the cost. I'll just cover it myself if necessary.
Almost like a "catch-22"...requested a 2nd opinion referral earlier through my PCM (Primary Care Mgr), and it went straight to the BAMC Urology Dept where I'm being treated now. Apparently under Tricare I can only get a referral to MD Anderson or the CTRC (or anywhere for that matter) if the level of medical service required is deemed beyond the availability or scope of BAMC. This applies to 2nd opinions on diagnosis, treatment, pathology and surgery. BAMC believes they can cover all those areas. Not sure how many RCs are performed at BAMC, but suspect it's not as many as an NCI designated hospital. That's why I was hoping to hold out until next year when I turn 65 and can go on Medicare. Then going to MD Anderson or CTRC wouldn't be a problem.
12/15 - Diagnosed Ta HG, 1.5cm Pap, Focal CIS
3/16 - Began BCG following NCCN and SWOG guidelines
2/19 - Ta HG recurrence and CIS/Ta HG in right kidney/ureter
2/19 - Nephroureterectomy to remove right kidney/ureter
9/19 - BCGx33 completed
2/20 - Invasive HG urothelial pT2 in prostate stroma