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So many questions and concerns!

12 years 2 months ago #40850 by upnorth
Replied by upnorth on topic So many questions and concerns!
Tina, Lets hope its something else showing as a mass. My CT showed allot of mass that turned out to be blood stuck in the bladder. As it turned out I had a cancerous tumor also. (just my luck) As for the pain it was caused from the limited ability to pass urine.

After my cystoscopy the blood came out in my urine as huge clots broken up by the scope during the process. When they did the TURBS the blood was gone and so was the mass. Here's hoping for a better DX after the TURBS.+

Hang in there! Were with ya!
Age 55
Diagnosed BC 12/20/2011 Ta No Mo 0a Non-Invasive At age 48
"Please don't cry because it is over..... Smile because it happened!" {Dr. Seuss} :)

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12 years 2 months ago #40841 by sara.anne
Replied by sara.anne on topic So many questions and concerns!
Tina, I am so sorry that you and your family are facing this. Maybe a little clarification will help....During the cystoscopy, the urologist identified what he thinks is most likely cancer. In order to make a definitive diagnosis, as well as to assess the stage (extent) and the grade (agressiveness) of the tumor, it is necessary to take multiple samples and send them to a pathologist. At the same time, the tumor(s) may or may not be completely removed. This is the TURB.

The pathologist will examine the samples and make a definitive diagnosis. It is not unusual for them to decide to do a second TURB several weeks later to be sure of the diagnosis. Then you father and the doctors will be able to chart a course of treatment.

Hope that the information on our site is able to help you find your way through all of this. And be sure to ask questions as they arise...we were all novices at one time!!!

Sara Anne
Diagnosis 2-08 Small papillary TCC; CIS
BCG; BCG maintenance
Vice-President, American Bladder Cancer Society
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12 years 2 months ago #40833 by mmc
Replied by mmc on topic So many questions and concerns!
Tina,

Taking four weeks to get a TURBT is not unusual at all.

As Catherine said, once he gets the TURBT and all the test results, there will be something more to say. He should sign releases so he can get copies of all of his test results.

Until then, it is going to be tough waiting for everything to happen and this is obviously a pretty traumatic time for everyone.

Mike
Age 54
10/31/06 dx CIS (TisG3) non-invasive (at 47)
9/19/08 TURB/TUIP dx Invasive T2G3
10/8/08 RC neobladder(at 49)
2/15/13 T4G3N3M1 distant metastases(at 53)
9/2013 finished chemo -cancer free again
1/2014 ct scan results....distant mets
2/2014 ct result...spread to liver, kidneys, and lymph...

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12 years 2 months ago #40830 by CatherineH
Replied by CatherineH on topic So many questions and concerns!
Hello Tina... Welcome to our site and I am so sorry to hear about your Dad's diagnosis. I know your world has been turned upside down and all of us can relate to those first fearful days and weeks of hearing those dreadful words. I hope he has found relief from the pain he is having. If you are not comfortable waiting four weeks, talk to your doctor about that.

The TURBT will remove the tumor and the resulting pathology report will determine what needs to happen next. The doctor will then know what type of cancer it is, what grade and stage it is, and will recommend a treatment plan.

A second opinion is highly recommended after the pathology report is in, even if you have complete confidence in your doctor. It is best to go to a major hospital/center who deals with many bladder cases each year. If you tell us where you are located, we can suggest some possible facilities in your area or region.

When your Dad gets a definitive diagnosis after the TURBT, we will be better able to answer your specific questions. In the meantime, feel free to post any questions you may have and we will try to answer them.
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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12 years 2 months ago #40829 by tinaw
So many questions and concerns! was created by tinaw
My dad, age 66, was diagnosed two weeks ago and we are reeling with questions and concerns! He thought he was having kidney stone issues and went to the ER Dec. 30. After an ultrasound and subsequent CT scan they found a mass in his bladder. He saw the urologist 10 days later who did a cystoscopy in the office and diagnosed him with bladder cancer. I do not know if a biopsy was done during cysto or not. He was scheduled for a TURB four weeks later. Is it normal for surgery to take place four weeks after diagnosis? Dad had a bone scan and chest x-ray last Thursday and today we found out they want another more detailed chest test. I am not clear if it is a CT or a PET scan. Dad's pain level is steadily increasing and he is upping pain meds weekly. I have been reading like crazy but I feel like I don't know enough to ask the right questions.

Thanks,
Tina

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