Reply from Greg Neely:
Pax:
I expect Jack (our president) will move your post to its own dialogue, but welcome to our site.
If the tumour is only in the lamina propria it is T1 but I am not clear whether when you say there is some muscularis propria present whether you mean in the biopsy or the cancer is in the MP. You certainly want muscle involved in the biopsy so they can rule out muscle involvement I assume this is what you mean). If the cancer is in the MP, however, then it is stage T2 and bladder removal is the gold standard.
It sounds like you have a copy of the pathology report (if not, I suggest you get one for your own records). It should also state the grade – high or low (sometimes 1,2 or 3 with 3 being high grade). The higher the grade, the more aggressive the disease and the more likely to recur.
I was where it sounds like you are about two years ago. I had T1 and had six TURBTs due to recurrence plus many, many immuno and chemo treatments intravesically (into the bladder). I did not want to lose my bladder in spite of the high grade disease. However, my cancer did progress to T2b and my bladder, prostate, etc was removed in December 2010 with the reconstruction of a neobladder. Big surgery, big adjustments, long recovery, well worth it now in my own case!
It is often a good idea to get a second opinion at a major cancer centre so that you can be sure the best treatment is being recommended. Jack may be able to help with a recommendation should you be interested and if it is appropriate for you.
Keep us posted.
Greg
