Newbie Checking In

I hope it all works out, and you can keep the bladder. I never heard of a partial but it sounds like an option I would rather have if possible.

That being said, if there is any chance that there is any more cancer in there I would want them to completely remove it just to be safe.

Keep researching your options and let us know how it all goes.

Man. Its never simple is it?

Mark

Another welcome to you Ben and also your wife Pam from this 73 year 'bagman'. Sorry you had to join our family but I am glad you did for these folks really have helped me through and helped me find answers and they quickly became folks I trusted because 'they had been there and done that.'Take Care and I will be with you all in 'spirit' as you journey forward --- Herb

Ok I just got back from meeting with Dr Bullock. He put a new twist on all this. He says because of where the tumor is located (in the top) I would be a good candidate for a PC. He recommends seeing the chemo doctors next week. Do another scope and take 3 biopsies to make sure the lower 2/3rds of the bladder is tumor free and when the chemo treats are done go in and take off the top third of the bladder. Two+ hour operation and 2 days in the hospital. If he gets in there and see's anything he doesn't like I could still end up with the RAC and neobladder.

Post surgery - scope every 3 months for 2 years and then on a 6 month schedule.

If a tumor comes back then RC with neobladder.

So all that got me in a spin and now I need to make a list of new questions but its worth a shot. He said very few people have tumors in that area so PC normally isnt an option.

Here I go on another weekend of research! Cheers

Ben
It is my understanding that the chemo decision is made after the lymph nodes are examined by pathology. If they show anything then it is chemo for sure.
I didn't have chemo and just celebrated 3 years of freedom. But If the Dr. was to reccommend it.... I'd do it.

George

Here is my understanding but please understand I am not a doctor.

Chemo before is typical if there is something to be seen. Chemo after depends on how deep into the muscle the tumor is when they remove the bladder and do all the pathology on it.

I did not get chemo. The chemo is to kill any potential micro mets (metastasis that cannot been seen on any scans/tests). If there is any lymph node involvement, then chemo is for sure.

In my case, there was no lymph node involvement and he took out something like 41 (I'm pretty sure that was the number) lymph nodes. I was just tested a few months ago and I'm still cancer free and the probability is very high that there was no mets and there won't be after this amount of time.

If they suggest chemo prior to surgery, I guess I (if I were you) would want to hear all of their reasoning behind that and make the decision myself.

My T2 was just barely into muscle. If it was getting close to being T3, it may have been a different story because the chance of micro mets would be much higher.

Your doc is going to have lots more info on this than I am so my suggestion is, armed with the info I just gave you, have that discussion with your doctor (in detail) when you talk to him about the path forward for you.

Hope that helps!
Mike