Another newcomer

KaT,

NSAID'S have been researched as a possible aid against bladder cancer.

Psoriatic arthritis is a rare response to BCG's. Less than 1%. I've always had psoriasis.

I don't want to recommend an anesthesia, because the last time I recommended an epidural one of the posters came home with a whopping headache that lasted for days. That never happened to me. But,
I PERSONALLY HATE GENERAL ANESTHESIA.

However, I'm willing to bet that with your medical history, (sciatica, etc), the anesthesiolgist will have a predetermined game plan for you.

I know you will be glad to get this behind you.

Your friend,
Rosemary

Pat,

Thanks. I had the impression he was trying not to alarm me, not that he was being sloppy or careless. He carefully described the procedure but I did not ask about the likely outcome, and he didn’t elaborate. (Dumb me, but I was a bit shell-shocked.) He said the tumor was not small but not near the urethra (not in danger of blocking it), and did comment that it must have been there a long time as it had a well-established blood supply.

We live near New Haven, and I could go to Yale-New Haven or St. Raphael’s hospital there. But this guy comes highly recommended, and neither my GP nor the rheum (whose practice is based at Yale-New Haven) had another recommendation. I am going to talk to him with some of my questions now that I have learned more about BLC, so maybe that will clarify his attitude somewhat.

My doctors are concerned about the drop in kidney function and the anemia too, and so am I. But I have other possible factors (auto-immune conditions, and a history of NSAIDs for arthritis), so we are tackling this bladder cancer now and watching my blood tests.

Thanks for the reassurance about pain. I had the impression I would get an IV, like the one used for colonoscopy. Not sure about how long the procedure will take: I keep trying to imagine the process of removing a sizable tumor with tiny tools moving in and out of the urethra! Somewhat mind-boggling, really!

Yes, but the nerve is usually pinched by some problem with the spine. In my case, it is a stack of 6 hernieated and generally wrecked vertebrae. My sciatica has been behaving lately, though I often have an attack after getting up and down off examining tables.

When I saw the urologist, I am pretty sure he said it would be an IV drip, probably like what I have had for colonoscopy, endoscopy, etc. But I will get a chance to discuss this with an anesthesiologist before the day. Do you recommend an epidural? I had that for my hysterectomy, but it seems like overkill for this. But what do I know? Haven’t been through this yet.

I do have arthritis, but I see a rheumatologist mainly because I have signs of a new auto-immune condition (already have psoriasis). I have some blood indicators and symptoms, leading her to think it might be Sjogren’s Syndrome, but lab tests have not proved it conclusively. Just part of my winding path!

Psoritic arithritis from the BCG? Ouch. Is that common?

Patricia,

I have to admit surprise at how many doctors are telling their patients that the BC seen through the scope is probably nothing to worry about.   You would hope that if a doctor with 35 years experience had ever been in error about a stage of cancer (even one time) just by looking through a scope, that he would speak more cautiously next time. (I have the odd experience of the pathologist being wrong after scrutinizing tissue under a microscope....wrong TWICE)

I guess what I'm saying is, let's hope the doctor is right.

After looking at SEER statistics for my state, I was surprised to see that the mortality rates for Bladder Cancer was lower in the counties where the major hospitals are located (such as Duke and UNC).

I really shouldn't have been surprised, but, it is an interesting observation nontheless.

Off to the Salt Mines,
Rosemary

ok here comes the naysayer......i too thought i'd let the first uro do my TUR as he also said after a peek inside...no big deal...probably superficial...pretty small..... WRONG......path showed muscle invasion.....brain cells kicked in and went to big city hospital and specialists where they do nothing but bladder cancer .... good thing i did...first uro did not get the margins. Second surgeon did and i firmly believe where you are treated makes the difference. So don't be afraid to go for that second opinion especially if your cancer is not superficial. I am concerned about your kidney function and anemia.....Thats not the norm in early stage.
For a woman the TUR should not produce any pain or discomfort afterwards...its a quick procedure. It was done as outpatient and i walked out after 20 minutes of being awake...................Pat

You said a mouthful there.  

As far as getting complicated goes, you sound like you are pretty much on top of this, and probably know that Stage and Grade will determine how complicated it may get.  Your doctor does make it sound pretty simple.  


Very best regards,
Rosemary