Bladder tumor after prostate cancer
Hi. My dad has been recently diagnosed with a bladder tumor. Almost 8 years ago he underwent a radical prostatectomy (Gleason T3+3, T2c N0 M0). PSA has been slightly rising during the past 6 months... (now 0.069). Unfortunately, during our latest doctor appointment, the bladder tumor was found. He will have TRBT on 14.03, and MRI on 6.02. The doctor said that it can be benign but he's not sure and we have to check it. Understandable. My dad has no symptoms of a bladder tumor at all. He had ultrasonography 3 times in the past 3 months and no one saw this tumor. Can anybody help us with what should we do now? I'm honestly terrified. He's only 62... I don't know what to think. Second cancer after almost 8 years? I read the scientific articles that bladder cancer (hopefully not......) can be curable when detected very early 🙁
@curiosity23 - Welcome to this amazing group of people who have all been touched by bladder cancer. Please know that the TURBT procedure that your father will be having in March will provide information as to if the tumor is cancer or not, and the stage and grade if it is cancerous. I am not a medical professional but know that this procedure is common in these instances to see what is going on. I would not go to the worst case scenario as this could be benign as your fathers doctor has said. Should it be cancer there are many treatments available and you will probably find people on here who can provide advice as they have had those treatments. My suggestion firstly is to have your father put on a wait list for this procedure if there is a cancellation and he can have it sooner. If not, it is good that he has the TURBT scheduled and that his doctor is moving along to find out what he can about the tumor. I also suggest that you do not spend a great deal of time researching this as you will be overwhelmed with information and may find that it causes you more stress than relief. We are always here to answer questions and support your father and you through this. Take a breath, know that he is being looked after by a doctor who wants answers and most of all, that you will also have answers. Keep us posted and know that you are both in our prayers. Linda Urbanski (moderator, Bladdercancer.net team member)
Thank you for your response. I'm so grateful for your prayers and help. I still hope it will be benign but (as far as you know I read too much...) I've read that most bladder tumors are cancerous. The craziest thing about it all is that I'm a Ph.D. in psychology and guess what was my dissertation topic? Psychooncology. So I'm really into all the medical stuff, I was making my research in the same Oncology Centre as my dad is going to be cured in. We hope TURBT could be sooner but unfortunately, we're in Poland and here the waiting time for the "cancer surgeries" is something about 8 weeks - we have to wait 6,5 weeks. I'm so afraid of him. The thing that it could be a second cancer is even more terrifying.
@curiosity23 - I understand that you are afraid but know that even if it is cancer there are treatments available. It is great that you are doing research in the same facility where your father is being seen. Again, please do not assume the worst though I am sure your research may tend to have you go there. I am not a medical professional as you know but do know that there are many treatments out there. I am sure that your father knows how concerned you are for him but also that you have some knowledge that others do not have due to your studies. The 6.5 weeks will pass quickly and you both will have answers. The fact that this was seen very recently and tests are being done quickly is an advantage in my opinion. Keep the faith that all will turn out well. We are here for you at any time so please reach out. Hugs and prayers to you and your dad. My very best to you both. Linda Urbanski ( moderator, Bladdercancer.net team member)
being afraid of the unknown is natural. Sorry to hear your have a wait. Hopefully all goes well when the appointment comes. Often we worry about things they never happen but I don’t need to tell you that. I know your profession and expertise while a plus in some ways, makes you question things and cause additional concerns on the other side. All
I can say, is try to do what I did, during my bladder cancer journey and take each day as it comes and take things things step by step. Please know we are here for you as a community. Sending positive vibes your way. Laura, Moderator, BladderCancer.net
@curiosity23 - I am not a medical professional. Just to add to what I said prior, yes - bladder cancer has effective treatments for early stage as well as later stage cancer. I would wait and see if it is cancer and what is suggested as treatment as probably someone on here will have had that. It also may be a benign tumor that just needs to be removed. I think that it is very fortunate that this tumor was found. What test showed that he has a tumor if I may ask? Did he have a cystoscopy? The earlier the diagnosis the better so I am glad that he will have more information soon. Keep us posted and please ask any questions you may have. Linda Urbanski ( moderator, Bladdercancer.net team member)
I totally know that nowadays many treatments are really effective but living in such emotions is just hard for logical thinking... no, he had ultrasonography during his doctor's appointment after prostate cancer (8 years ago he had a radical prostatectomy). He had CT one year ago and it was totally ok. He also had ultrasonography 3 times during the last 3 months and the tumor was found only during the latest one. Thank you.
@curiosity23 - In my opinion I think that he is very fortunate that his doctor was keeping close tabs on him and doing continued testing possibly to see why his PSA was rising. It appears that his tumor was only seen on his last ultrasound and not prior ones and his doctor is moving along to find out what this - so that is very good. Clearly the doctor wants to know what is going on soon also. I know how difficult it isa to wait for answers but the fact that this was found so recently and he is scheduled for a TURBT is good news. I also like that his doctor is doing continued testing to get answers. Try to keep your mind off this as much as possible as you will both have answers soon. It may be benign and all will be as it was before. Hang in there as you will get answers soon. My best Linda Urbanski ( moderator, Bladdercancer.net team member)
@curiosity23 - I am sorry that you father and you are doing through this very stressful time now knowing what is going on yet. I think it is very good that this test, while to follow up on a prior issue, discovered something that needed to be investigated. That is the value of continued surveillance after we have had any form of cancer. I know that it is difficult but you will have answers in the next weeks and will know what is going on and how to proceed. It may be a benign growth that just needs to be removed. My best to you and your family. Linda Urbanski ( moderator, Bladdercancer.net team member)
