Cystectomy next choice?

[Nettie]

My husband completed his initial 6 round BCG treatment which took care of the CIS but his bladder tumor has now grown into the muscle and therefore he’s been referred to a surgeon in Edmonton for cystectomy. Has anyone had a cystectomy with Dr Fairey in Edmonton? If so I would love to hear from you. My second question is that he was directly referred to the surgeon, we don’t have an appointment yet, but has not had an appointment with a oncologist. Is this normal procedure? Should we be asking about bladder preservation or is that just taking a huge chance at the cancer metastasizing? Any input would be appreciated.

[SJay]

Nettie

I had my RC with a neobladder in Vancouver April 2016 after BCG didn’t work out, so I can’t comment on Dr. Fairey. My urologist did both BCG and the surgery, so I didn’t need to be referred to another urologist. He is a “urological oncologist”, which I expect is typical for anyone doing these surgeries. After the decision was made to have the RC, I was referred to a medical oncologist who recommended a 3 month course of chemo before the surgery. I think this is quite common as it gives a bump in the survival statistics. Perhaps Dr. Fairey will refer you. The surgery was performed 5 weeks after the end of chemo. I wasn’t offered a bladder preservation option (actually quite the opposite – I was told not to even consider it), but it seems to be starting to be an option for some. It’s worth asking the medical oncologist. Hope all works out for you and your husband (it did for me!)

[Jack Moon]

Hi Nettie
I personally have no experience with a radical cystectomy. Dr. Fairey is a Urologist/Oncologist and is a member of Bladder Cancer Canada’s Medical Advisory Board. He has extensive experience with bladder cancer and surgery. Here is a link to his Bio.

Adrian Fairey, MD

Bladder Cancer Canada does have a support group in Edmonton.
Edmonton Support Group meetings are held on the 4th Tuesday of each month at:
Wellspring Edmonton – 11306 65th Ave NW, Edmonton, AB T6H 2Z8
For more information or to RSVP, email us at bccedmonton@bladdercancercanada.org or call 1-866-674-8889
All the best,
Jack

[Nettie]

Thank you so much Jack. That information makes me feel a lot better. As for the bladder support group in Edmonton, we live 7 hours north of Edmonton, although you never know, we might be able to attend sometime when we’re there.
The urologist we have in Grande Prairie said he actually practiced with Dr. Fairey in Edmonton before he moved to Grande Prairie. He said if we didn’t here from Dr Fairey by this coming Wednesday, then to give him a call and he would text Dr Fairey. So far we have been very happy with the urologist, Dr. Eric Beuker.
Thanks again, I find your knowledge amazing!!

[Nettie]

Thanks for your reply SJay. It’s nice to hear from someone who has been there! Glad to hear it worked for you. All the best!

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