Bladder Cancer

[davidrp1961]

i am 47 yrs old.about 6 weeks ago i had blood in my urine.they did a cat scan then a cystoscopy.my doctor found a tumor and removed it a week ago.it was a low grade tumor and will have to have a cystoscopy every 3 months...i had the cath.removed today and hope i never have to do that again...im scared that the tumor will return sometime in my life...what are the odds of it coming back... if anyone has had the same experience i would appreciate your advise and story.

[J58]

From what I have read there is a chance you may have another tumor occur in the future and this is why they want to do a cystocopy every three months. Usually though for about a year. If nothing shows after the first year, then a cystoscopy only once a year after that.

Being scared is normal. Have you discussed any of this with your doctor?

I know my biggest fear was having my first cystoscopy. It was in the office and with a rigid scope, and I did not want sedation. I was a wreck for the two weeks leading up tot he exam. But, it was only uncomfortable and not really painful. I drank a ton of water afterwards and I was back to normal inside of a day. Now just waitingon pathology....

Good luck to you. It is best to monitor this as it COULD come back, but don't let the fear control you either.

[LMFoster]

David: One of the best things is info, unfortunately I waited 12-18 months after bleeding started.
At first it was sporatic would come and go then a short time back it came back with a VENGENCE. Then I went to the doctor. here is a copy of a letter I just posted, hopefully it will do you some good. Don't worry but do become informed and stay active.
I am all new to this myself, as I was diagnosed with bladder cancer myself 6/19/09 and surgery set for 7/24. I have learned a lot myself in the past few days. my 2nd opinion which concurred with my urologist came from an Ocologist and he agreed my bladder had to go, but as far as the removal of my prostate as well is a Urologist's call.
This morning after much input from Family and friends and made appointment for 3rd opinion (mainly because of surgery type) this Urologist is also an Oncologist and associate profesor at a leading university here in Nashville.
I am new to this site I only found it yesterday. i use some other sites as well. I am giving you these site addresses. I use the same screen name on this and the other 3. Some of the users are quite active when they come across a new user, this has greatly helped me be more informed.

http://blcwebcafe.org
http://csn.cancer.org
http://www.bladdercancersupport.org This is my favorite


The following is about removal & reconstruction of the bladder, I feel it has a lot of good info, I wish I had had from day 1 as well as the above sights.
EVERYTHING MOVES SO FAST AND I THINK PATIENTS NEED TO AS INFORMED AS POSSIBLE TO MAKE THE DECISSIONS WE HAVE TO MAKE.
http://my.clevelandclinic.org/services/urinary_reconstruction_and_diversion/hic_Urinary_Reconstruction_and_Diversion.aspx

Any help I may be feel free to contact me, at any of these sites. I wish you well and may God bless.
Larry

[iplayguitars]

I was first diagnosed with bladder and prostate cancer 3 1/2 years ago. Prostate is long gone. I get the cysto every 3 months as well. Over the last 3 years I've had 7 or 8 tumors, all low grade cancer. My Dr. says they are like weeds, you pick one, you get one. I sometimes have to have them removed at the hospital as it's too much to burn out in the office, I had one of those 2 days ago. It's a pain, but.... as long as I keep getting the check ups and do what the Doc tells me, I can and do have a good quality of life. I tried the BCG treatment a year ago, but I only had one clean check up with that. All this doesn't mean you are going to lose your bladder or the cancer is going to spread, you just have to stay on top of it and keep getting that dreaded cysto. Hang in there, life is worth it.

[DBAER]

I am 67 YO. I had visable bleeding about 15 Mos ago. I went through the usual tests which found nothing. Luckily my Dr insisted in a Cysto which found bladder cancer. I had a TUR just one year ago. It was low stage non invasive. My first Cysto was three months later, it was clean but there was a red spot which the Dr biopsyed, it was negative. I have had two more cysto's, both clean. Last month during my normay yearly physical my regular Dr, saw some microscopic bleeding. He was not concerned as it was little and as I had just had a cysto a month before. Now I am getting a little nervous about my next, regularly scheduled cysto in two weeks. I find that it is a roller coaster, a good result from a cysto gives me peace of mind for a month or so then I start to think about the next one and finally for the few weeks before I think about it every day. My concern with this one is the slight microscopic bleeding that my Dr saw but on the good side, my BC was low stage and I have had three clean follow up custo's and also my PSA and prostate check last month was normal.
It is a life changing event for sure but I am under good care and so far I have been blessed with good results. I hope and pray that continues.