treatment decisions
All,
I am new to this forum, this is a fantastic resource and is providing great support.
I am 52-year-old male, otherwise healthy, nonsmoker. I have been recently diagnosed with HG T1 bladder cancer.
My urologist did 2 TURBTs months apart, in the first one he found 2 tumors removed it and staged it as HG T1.
2nd one was just to make sure he did not miss anything and took some deep muscle bites from the original tumor sites.
The biopsy came back negative, which is good.
His recommendation is do BCG treatment in 2 weeks, which is recommended treatment plan by American urologist association, Cleveland clinic etc.
When I was browsing the internet, I did find some articles, papers suggesting RC is right option. Now I am confused on what do.
Any suggestions, recommendations?
I don't see many examples of people who went BCG route and are cancer free for 5 or 10 years.
@RightR - Welcome to this group of wonderful people who will gladly and openly share their personal experiences and wisdom with you. I am 72 and had the same diagnosis as you in 2014. I had 2 TURBTS also and with the second one some pre-cancerous cells were found near my urethra. They were removed as was part of my urethra. I also had the option of BCG or RC. My uro/oncologist was very clear that it was entirely my decision. He said that if I tried BCG and it did not work, I could be at a higher stage or the same post BCG. He said if BCG treatments were not successful the first time that he would recommend RC. If the treatments were successful I would need maintenance and follow up testing for life as this can come back at any time. If it returned the options might not be the same. I did research and also had a second opinion, which was the same as the original diagnosis and recommendations. I discussed it with my immediately family and told them that I wanted this cancer gone once and for all. I had RC/IC surgery 9/ 30/14. I had no complications, went back to work 4 weeks later and moved on with my life. I developed a small hernia 5 years post op - which is common - and wear a hernia belt when appropriate. Today, I am a part time employed, volunteer for a variety of groups, and am a happy healthy and very active 72 year old. I would not change anything I did. But that decision was what I felt was best for me. I would never encourage or suggest that someone else follow my lead just because. It is a decision you must make for yourself. One that works for you and only you. I was tested every 6 months for 3 years and then went to annually. Everything test has been clean. I now have kidney ultrasounds, bloodwork and a urine culture every year and those also have been fine. . I also had the utmost confidence in my entire medical team, a surgeon who was the first in NW Ohio to use the Davinci robotic system for this surgery so I felt I was in great hands. All in all, my life is great. I apologize for the length of this but hope that it helps you decide what is right for you. Please feel free to reach out at any time with questions or concerns. I am sure others will also add in experiences for you also. Keep us posted on how you are doing. We are always here to provide support when needed. My best to you. Linda Urbanski (moderator, Bladdercancer.net team member)
Thanks Linda for your detailed message. I am also planning on getting a 2nd opinion.
Thanks again for your support@RogerR - You are very welcome. I think a second opinion is always a good idea and can add some clarity to the options and help with decision making process. I wish you the very best on the treatment plan you choose. Linda Urbanski ( moderator, Bladdercancer.net team member)
I think what is important that you understand the treatment options available to you and understand what is being recommended. I am not medically trained to offer specific advice but I would definitely ask your medical team for more detail and get a second opinion if you feel this is needed. Laura, Moderator, BladderCancer.net
