Decided it was time to join in. Have some questions.

5 years 9 months ago #55476 by tmcbladder
Thanks Sara-Anne-

Oddly enough, I just finished a round of BCG when they found these new tumors, including the CIS ones. I am assuming that means the BGC did not work for me??? My guess is he will use the Interferon next. I'll do my best to not think much about it until my follow-up. Deep breaths.

DX:11.2017, TURBT 11.2017 and 12.2017 to determine stage. (1) Papillary HG. BCG - 6 rounds 2.2018. BC clear 3.2018. BCG- 3 weeks 5.2018. Reoccurrence & TURBT 6.2018. (4) papillary HG & (1) CIS tumor. Cystectomy August 15, 2018 (Neo Bladder) Incontinent /fistula-so had urinary diversion to...

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5 years 9 months ago #55475 by tmcbladder
Thanks Alan.

You guys are just what I needed. I find myself exhaling a little more today. I am usually a very patient person, but after last Friday, all seems different. Yep, I'll wait for my results from Friday and discuss with my current doctor, but will also make that appointment with Duke.

DX:11.2017, TURBT 11.2017 and 12.2017 to determine stage. (1) Papillary HG. BCG - 6 rounds 2.2018. BC clear 3.2018. BCG- 3 weeks 5.2018. Reoccurrence & TURBT 6.2018. (4) papillary HG & (1) CIS tumor. Cystectomy August 15, 2018 (Neo Bladder) Incontinent /fistula-so had urinary diversion to...

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5 years 9 months ago #55474 by sara.anne
I had both also. Fortunately, no recurrence. One of the problems with CIS, which is more like a rash on the bladder lining, is that in addition to being high grade it is impossible to remove like a mushroom-ish papillary tumor. BCG is sometimes very effective with CIS.

I think a consult at Duke is an excellent idea!!! This is not something you want to fool around with.

Sara Anne

Diagnosis 2-08 Small papillary TCC; CIS
BCG; BCG maintenance
Vice-President, American Bladder Cancer Society
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5 years 9 months ago #55472 by Alan
Tmcbladder,

We all have been scared at different times so that is normal. I also like to remind myself that it is "one day at a time" as that is all we can control. This is still a beatable and treatable disease! Many here have had CIS along with the papillary form of BC which are the 2 most common. You are not alone.

Getting a second opinion at a first rate center and I understand Duke to be excellent, is a good idea. A set for fresh eyes and perhaps cutting edge treatment is usually found. I have also learned to wait until all the tests are in as so many different twists and turns are involved as individuals.

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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5 years 9 months ago #55470 by tmcbladder
Thanks Sara Anne & Anita-

Yes, I'm anxious and plan to call and see if I can move up my follow-up appointment, so I can get those results sooner than July 3rd. I do also know that I did not mention before that they found the CIS flat tumors in my bladder as well last Friday. I'm not liking what I am reading about those nasty boogers. Last night I decided that after I speak with my (general urologist), I owe it to myself to also seek a 2nd opinion, as I am only a couple of hours drive from Duke University Medical where they have a huge team of bladder cancer specialist. Can't hurt, right?

Has anyone here had the CIS tumors? And has anyone here had Interferon treatment? He mentioned going that route to me before surgery last Friday, but that was also before discovering there were more tumors that expected and before knowing I had the CIS tumors.

Thanks again for weighing in. I try to keep a sunny disposition when talking to friends and family so they don't actually know how scared I really am, especially with my husband. He is there for me, but he cannot handle realistic conversations about this without getting upset. Education is everything right now, so all the shares are much appreciated.

tmcbladder

DX:11.2017, TURBT 11.2017 and 12.2017 to determine stage. (1) Papillary HG. BCG - 6 rounds 2.2018. BC clear 3.2018. BCG- 3 weeks 5.2018. Reoccurrence & TURBT 6.2018. (4) papillary HG & (1) CIS tumor. Cystectomy August 15, 2018 (Neo Bladder) Incontinent /fistula-so had urinary diversion to...

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5 years 9 months ago #55466 by sara.anne
I would like to expand a bit on what Anita mentioned. As you are probably aware, bladder cancer has a nasty little habit of returning sometimes. If your tumors were low grade, and did not return multiple times (and your urologist has to determine what "multiple times" might mean) it is possible to go for quite a while with careful surveillance and removal each time. When "multiple times" becomes too much, a different approach is necessary.

In your case, the initial tumor was high grade. This means that its cells are rapidly growing and have the potential to spread relatively quickly, which is why your urologist immediately recommended BCG. BCG is not usually used initially in low grade bladder cancer....only if it repeatedly returns. If HIGH GRADE bladder tumors return more than a few times and cannot be stopped with BCG, other measures are indicated. This can include, for example, BCG with interferon.

You need to sit down with your urologist and have a serious talk about possibilities and options. And, depending upon where you are being treated, should it return yet a third time you should consider getting a consultation at a center that specializes in difficult bladder cancer cases. High grade bladder cancer is nothing to fool around with.
With good care it can be handled.

Wishing you all the best

Sara Anne

Diagnosis 2-08 Small papillary TCC; CIS
BCG; BCG maintenance
Vice-President, American Bladder Cancer Society
Forum Moderator

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