Cystoscopies

[auntybevy]

I know there is a protocol for BCG but is there one for cystoscopies? Is it every three months for the first three years or does it depend on your Urologist?
Bev

[Greg]

Bev:
Here is a very helpful article on a lot of questions from Cleveland Clinic which is ranked #2 in the US for bladder cancer (at least in 2011). The protocol this doctor cites is every three months for two years, then every six months for two years and then annually for life. However, I am quite sure it depends on what is found from cysto to cysto. When more tumours are found, I expect the clock re-starts.

My biggest concern would be that how ever often it is being done, it is being done by a uro-oncologist who works at a major cancer centre.

http://my.clevelandclinic.org/multimedia/transcripts/1216_bladder-cancer.aspx

[Jack Moon]

Hi Bev

In my case, since I had 2 recurrences early on, the clock did restart each time as Greg has mentioned, and because of the recurrences he kept me on 3 months cystos for 3 years, then 6 months for the next 2 years. I think the timing will vary by doctor and also by your individual circumstances.
All the best,
Jack

[auntybevy]

Thank you both. Greg, I happened to be on the Cleveland Clinic site last evening. As it is a US site, I thought that Canada might have a different protocol. I tried to locate information on BCC; however, it was easier to post – which gives me an idea of how this site can be improved. I will post on your forum.
Thanks again
Bev

[marysue]

The schedule in Calgary is the same; every 3 months for 2 years; if no reoccurences you move to every 6 months for 2 years and then annually for life. They restart the count if you have a reoccurence. My uro did move me up to annually a few months quicker because I had done a lot of BCG and only had one small tumour as a reoccurence from the first TURBT. He also knows that I’m vigilant about my health and wouldn’t hesitate to come calling if I thought there was problem.

Calgary recently got the new blue light cysto. I haven’t had an exam with it yet as I’m not due for a checkup until March 2014. My support group cofounder had his first cysto with it and found the experience better than with the usual flexible scope. He said he experienced less discomfort post cysto. The only drawback he mentioned was that the new screens are positioned differently making it more difficult for the patient to watch the exam.

[stumblegirl14]

I had no idea that the blue light cysto was available in Calgary. Is this recently new??? Is it available elsewhere in Canada, as I was under the impression it was not approved yet in Canada???

Flo

[marysue]

I’m going just on what my support group cofounder told me. I do know from attending the urology conference in Banff last year and having a conversation with sales reps sellling cysto equipment that the Rockyview was in negotiation to obtain the equipment. As for the approval process I have no idea. The sales rep did tell me as well that the exam is well tolerated. I got into discussion with him about a painful cysto experience I had had with a rigid scope and the use or lack of local anesetic. He told me they were looking for ways to develop scopes that were less painful and also gels that would freeze better. My conclusion is if they can come up with less painful ways of checking our insides that’s all good. The blue light is supposed to be able to pick up tumours that haven’t presented themselves on the surface yet. If that is the case then it will pick up tumours at an earlier stage and obviously have a better outcome for the patient. I guess that I’ll find out in March. I will be sure to post a full report.

[auntybevy]

Thanks Marysue. I would imagine we would have the same protocol in Ontario. I can tell you from my own experience that blue light cystos are here in Toronto.
Bev

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