Too Many Cystoscopes?
I was diagnosed with non-invasive low grade bladder cancer in 2013. (one polyp) For the first two years after had cystoscopies 4X/year. , then 2 years at 2x/year for an additional two years. At that point (4 years post cancer and no reoccurrence) I thought yearly cystoscopes were the norm. My urologist prefers cystoscopies every 6 months rather than yearly going forward. He relates that in his experience he has seen cancer return even many years from original diagnosis and believes I would be better served with cystoscopies every 6 months. I am now 8 years post diagnosis with no reoccurrence and I'm certainly thankful for that, but was wondering if perhaps my urologist is being overly cautious.
Hey there Docs!
Thanks for sharing a bit of your story. I can imagine that it is a bit of a nuisance and dread to have to go in every 6 months for a cystoscopy. I have read anecdotal reports that bladder cancer can indeed come back years after an original diagnosis. If you generally trust your doctor and have good rapport, I would march in favor with her over caution. Hopefully he IS being overly cautious, and if not, he is will likely save your life. Keep fighting the good fight while the fight is still good, because I've seen this disease get ugly.
Wishing you all the best and continued good health!
Charles, Moderator / BladderCancer.net
@docs - I think that is a great way to look at things. Good for your doctor for looking out for you so well I know of too many people who have had a reoccurrence several years after being NED for years. The sooner a problem is found the sooner it can be treated. My best to you. Linda ( moderator, Bladdercancer.net team member)
Heya Docs! I just wanted to follow up with you to see how you are doing? Hoping for continued good. news for you always! Have you come to a consensus regarding the frequency of your cystoscopies? I am very interested in your perspective on this, as a healthy patient who seems to be in a remission phase. Have you spoken with other medical professionals outside of your urologist? Do you find the cystocopies to be burdensome for you at this point?
Sending all the best for continued health and well-being.
Charles (Moderator / BladderCancer.net)I decided to take my urologists advice and to schedule cysto's every 6 months as he suggested. I trust his expertise. Will be going next month, 8 months since the last one. I didn't confer with anyone else. I don't find the cysto's to be burdensome, just wanted to follow current standards of care.
@docs - I think that was a good choice to follow the cysto suggestion. That way if something happens to show up you can treat is quicker. My best to you. Linda Urbanski ( moderator, Bladdercancer.net team member)
