Well...looks like I'm going to get to know a whole new group of friends...and start upon my path of learning about this disease!
My journey started just a little over a month ago...blood in the urine. Immediately had a flushed feeling come over me (probably the blood draining out of my brain knowing that wasn't a good thing - and since I've been a smoker for 28 years expecting that someday it would catch up with me). Realizing it wasn't a fluke I went home for lunch and told my wife I needed to see the doctor.
Even though I got in that same day by the time of my office visit the visible blood had subsided. Lab still showed blood so he scheduled an IVP within the week, which came back showing a kidney stone. What a relief...missed the bullet, it's only a stone. But, since I have been a smoker he scheduled a visit to the urologist.
The lab prior to my initial visit to the specialist revealed blood even though it wasn't visible. Again, since I am (was) a smoker he scheduled a cysto in the office a week later. Did a lot of research over the next week and didn't like what I found. Didn't sleep very much that week either! As I was pulling into the medical office parking lot for the procedure it was as if I already knew what I was going to hear. Unfortunately...I wasn't mistaken. The good news was that he found the source of the bleeding. Said it looked small - fern like and there was only one. The bad news of course is that it was probably cancer. He then explained the drill...in that we were going to see each other a lot over then next couple of years then a little less for up to 5 years. BTW...who was the sadistic individual that came up with the penis clamp?
Well...you guys have been through this - traveled the road before me. So, you remember the head-trip for the next week while waiting for the surgery. Surgery went fine...in fact had to catch a plane for a business trip 26 hours post op. Did my best to concentrate on biz and have a few laughs along the way for the next 5 days.
Upon my return, this Monday, I called to get the path report and as expected it was cancer. Nurse told me it was low grade and then scheduled my 3-month follow-up exam. I was still feeling like I was in the dark - certainly not feeling in control - so I asked for a consultation. Went in today to ask all the questions but primarily to review the path report. The report states that I have a papillary transitional cell carcinoma grade G-2, stage T1 that has invaded the lamina propria.
As I stated...I'm new to all this...but it is interesting how my vocabulary has broadened in the last 3 weeks. I feel better just being better informed but still have many questions. And yes...I quit smoking. Today is day 14!
Treatment plan is wait and see - shave if there is a reoccurrence. At this stage/grade would that be the norm?
Cheers to all...looking forward to knowing you.
Goingamakeit