Had Appt With Dr. Smith

13 years 4 months ago - 13 years 4 months ago #34749 by CatherineH
Replied by CatherineH on topic Had Appt With Dr. Smith
Hello Flo... Wanted to send positive thoughts your way. I had a partial cystectomy so I can't really comment on your specific procedure except to say my surgery was at Vanderbilt also last February. My surgeon/urologist is Dr. Cookson. I was very happy with the care I received during my 4 days in the hospital. Residents/interns working with the Urology Department came by a couple times a day to check on me, which is a benefit of being in a teaching hospital... there's always doctors around.
My invasive andenocarcinoma tumor was caught early enough (1.6 cm, T2a) and they got that nasty thing out of there with clean margins. Subsequent 3-month check ups have been clear. I am wishing you the best possible outcome... will be thinking of you.

Catherine

Best wishes... Catherine

TURBT 1/21/10 at age 55
Dx: T2aN0M0 Primary Bladder Adenocarcinoma
Partial Cystectomy 2/25/10
Vanderbilt Medical Center
Nashville, TN

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13 years 5 months ago #34458 by DougG
Replied by DougG on topic Had Appt With Dr. Smith
Flo, That is so cool that you got to see Reba and Martina McBride! We live in east TN and will be sending prayers your way for your Nov 4 surgery. Congratulations on your son's graduation.
Anita (Doug's wife)

Anita
Forum Moderator
Caregiver

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13 years 5 months ago #34404 by Patricia
Replied by Patricia on topic Had Appt With Dr. Smith
Well Flo..if indeed he is doing an internal pouch..the Indiana..with a navel stoma you will not have a urethra anymore. They take that out. Don't worry..there's no pain there.
As for tubes it depends on the institution. I had 2 J tubes and a supra-pubic tube which drained the urine so that the pouch had time to heal. That stays in 3 weeks. The J tubes came out when they only held a certain amount of fluid. One came out before the other for some reason. You get used to it and the routine you need to follow. They'll teach you everything. Its a tough surgery but each day gets easier.
Don't worry about that now. Take it a day at a time.
pat

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13 years 5 months ago #34401 by Flo
Replied by Flo on topic Had Appt With Dr. Smith
Alan thanks for the quick response.

Pat I am very proud of my Son it was so hard telling both the boys. I am so glad that Dr. Smith said that i could go to his grad before the long journey begins We will be with the grandsons :woohoo: the night before his graduation while he does his Dining out with his wife.

I would like to ask how hard is the recovery of this surgery I know i will not have a cath in my urethra or at least i dont think i will. I read somewhere that you could have one to drain fluid from the pelvic cavity. I also read that you have two Jpegs, a matlock tube and then drains in the stoma. Lots of tubes for at least 3 weeks. I was in such shock even though i wrote down lots of questions i could not ask them. I can call his nurse and ask as many questions as i would like so if i dont get the answers here i will do that. He is going to keep me off work for 8 weeks. Anyway lots going on in my head. Trying to be strong for everyone else (kids, neice,mom etc..)and also trying not to fall apart what a day. Thanks guys for any insight

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13 years 5 months ago #34399 by Patricia
Replied by Patricia on topic Had Appt With Dr. Smith
So glad you followed up with Vandy and Dr. Smith and he's right get that bugger out of you ASAP. If he's doing a navel stoma it sure sounds like an Indiana to me...thats where mine is and very accessible so i hope he can do it. You will have access to a complete multidisciplinary team there and they have great pathologists.
Don't panic...you will adjust and we'll be here to help you.
And Congrats on your son..how proud you must be.
pat

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13 years 5 months ago - 13 years 5 months ago #34398 by Alan
Replied by Alan on topic Had Appt With Dr. Smith
Flo,

The good news is you at least now know what you are dealing with. While I can't appreciate fully where you are at in this journey, as I have retained my bladder, you will put this behind you. Am sure some of the regulars will chip in with better advice. Had to respond as I saw where we are the only 2 online currently.

Nashville is a kool town. Both my parents grew up close by. Goodletsville and Columbia.

DX 5/6/2008 TAG3 papillary tumor .5 CM in size. 2 TURBS followed by 6 instillations of BCG weekly with a second round of 6 after a 6 week wait.

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