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Homepage – Forum Forums Monthly Treatment Calendar Calendar for April 2024 – who is up for Surgeries, Treatments and Tests?

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  • #47509
    marysue
    Participant

    Hi Everyone:

    We are heading into spring at long last.  March came in like a lion in Calgary so hopefully it will go out like a lamb.  Along with all the signs of spring let us hope and pray for good signs for those that have “stuff” in April.  I will be having my 3 month cysto check on the 18th.  My bladder has been behaving well so I hope that that is a good sign that all is clear.  Best Wishes to all.  ((((HUGS))))

    #47512
    Sick_in_YYC
    Participant

    Hi MarySue- I had my first cystoscopy in mid February and my TURBT is scheduled April 3. Slowly making progress through the system. Then the wait for the path report. 3 confirmed lesions and 2 areas with swelling. I am not sure what to think. The number of lesions is of concern, one being almost 3 mm. Hoping for the best.

    #47520
    marysue
    Participant

    Hi Sick_in_YYC:

    Best Wishes for a good outcome with the April TURBT.  Hopefully the lesions are shallow and low grade.

    People can have all kinds of combinations of types of bladder cancer, number of lesions/tumours and size and depth of tumours.  The “best” diagnosis a person can hope for outside of an all clear of cancer is what I mentioned above, “non-muscle invasive, low grade” which translates to early stage and not aggressive.  Tumours like this generally do not progress or progress at a much slower rate and are considered a nuisance. Post TURBT next steps for this diagnosis can vary from just watch and wait with regular cysto checks to being prescribed a post TURBT treatment regime of BCG or another agent. High grade tumours do have the ability to recur and progress and usually require a patient to undergo a regime of BCG or another agent to help prevent recurrence and progression and/or at the very least slow the rate of recurrences and chance of progression. And as I think you already know more advanced tumours often require bladder removal and maybe some chemo before or after the surgery. At any rate once the tumours are out, you are either cancer free or at the very least been able to slow the cancer down and have a bit of breathing room before any next steps.  No matter what the diagnosis and prescribed follow up is it is important to make sure that you understand the pathology and the options that your doctor recommends and all the pros and cons that go with it.  You have the right to a second opinion if you are not comfortable with what your current provider has told you.  You have the right to ask whatever questions you have as you have the right to become an educated patient which will enable you to take care of yourself better.

    Waiting for the pathology report is usually the toughest or one of the toughest parts of this journey.  Our mind can go into the darkest places very quickly. It is easier said than done but I’ve always tried to encourage people to keep their minds busy once the TURBT is over.  Since you will be at home recovering, I suggest reading lots of good books or binging on NETFLIX or whatever floats your boat.   (((HUGS)))

    #47522
    Sick_in_YYC
    Participant

    Thanks MarySue. I appreciate your comments. I did not know AHS allowed patient to get a second opinion. Depending on results of the path report it may be a consideration.

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