Calendar for April 2019 – Who is up for Surgeries, Tests and Treatments?

[marysue]

Hi Everyone:

2019 continues to fly by.  Hopefully April showers will bring May flowers.  The last little while has brought wild weather to many parts of Canada.  At least it is now warming up significantly in Calgary. My mother used to say “Spring is sprung, the grass is ris, I wonder where the boidies is?”  No sign of the robins coming back yet.  I honestly hope that they don’t for another month or so as we have a ton of snow on the ground and it would make it impossible for them to find enough to eat.  Anyhow, here’s to hoping for spring to come soon and for everyone to get good news this month.  This is my month for BC action – annual cysto April 11th.  No sign of any trouble so I’m expecting an “all clear”.  All the best everyone.  ((((HUGS)))

[Tracy]

Hi All,

I go in next Thursday for my 1st Turbt to remove an inverted papilloma. The doc said that it is a slim chance that they will find cancer, however they will do a pathology to rule it out.

I have never had surgery before so I’m very nervous and don’t know what to expect. The doc actually tried to remove it during my cystoscopy but was not successful because of how small it was and the lack of a neck to get around. I understand it’s easier to remove when I’m relaxed, so I get the need for me to be unconscious but I just feel GA is extreme in this circumstance. Do they ever do IV sedation?

The doc said I’ll need a catheter after surgery and that it should be removed before I go home. Does a catheter hurt a lot and is there a chance I’ll need to go him with one?

I would love to hear about some experiences to help give me perspective on what to expect.

Thank you 🙂

[Nightingale]

Hi Tracy,

Sharing my personal experience with you.  I had 1 Turbt and 1 Laser treatment.  With the Turbt, my specialist also checked my Kidneys to make sure the Cancer had not travelled up the Ureter to them.  When the surgery was completed, I had no discomfort, but I did have a Stent which I had to retain for approx 7 to 10 days.  I was given the option to remove it myself or go in and have him remove it.  I removed it myself and felt no pain.

The third time the  Cancer returned; because it was so small, he used a Laser to cauterise it, and that was the last procedure I had.  BTW, I was awake for the Laser treatment. Below is the link showing an image of the Stent similar to the one I had in me.

Image of Stent

My Best,

 

• This reply was modified 5 years, 10 months ago by Nightingale.
• This reply was modified 5 years, 10 months ago by Nightingale.
• This reply was modified 5 years, 10 months ago by Nightingale.

[marysue]

I got me an “all clear” on the 11th which made for a really good early birthday present.  Next year I will be officially ten years clear and will have the option of cutting loose, or graduating to cystos every 18-24 months.  My uro said in Alberta the protocol is to follow for ten years.  I know on BCC it is recommended that we be followed for life and I mentioned this to my doc and that is when he said I could do it every 18-24 months instead. We will revisit it next year.  I will most likely opt for every 24 months just so I can stay connected to my uro and not go through a referral process again should I have an issue.  That being said, the majority just voted in a Conservative government and the Kenny plan is to do a Doug Ford and cut-cut-cut so it will be interesting to see what shakes out for BC patients in Alberta.

[Nightingale]

Congratulations Marysue!  Delighted to read about your all clear!

My Best,

[Jack Moon]

Great news on the all clear Marysue.

All the best,

Jack

 

[marysue]

Thanks everyone.  Reaching that 10 year mile stone will be huge.  (((HUGS)))

[Nightingale]

I know the feeling!  Yay!…and a HUGE CONGRATULATIONS!

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