DEALING WITH DIAGNOSIS

Hi,

I suppose your doctor is aware of the guidelines for bladder cancer, and that the pathologist was competent when he/she analysed your slides. Then you should be able to find out the exact 'stage and grade' of the tumors removed. That's how it gets decided who needs further treatment.

I guess you've heard the news that bladder tumors may recur, and that they are usually the same type as previously. Not always, though.

In my experience people are checked at the 3 month follow up because that's when the most recurrences happen. If the tumors were low grade=which they must have been or further treatment would have been receommended-it's not a big risk to wait six months, but follow up is a definite must.

Take care,
Wendy
PS I"m moving your post to the 'newly diagnosed' area, where you have a better chance at getting more input.

[smiley=shocked.gif]
I am 69 years old and was diagnosed with BC in December, 2005. I had surgery that month to remove tumors and have been cancer-free since then. I am now on six-month checkups and consider myself extremely fortunate. I am in the first stage of non-invasive cancer. Yes, I smoked but quit over 20 years ago---not soon enough? Other than cancer, I'm a healthy gal so far (except for flat feet). Any older gals out there dealing with this stage? Sometimes wonder if I should have a second opinion or treatments or??? I live in a rural area and have a woman urologist who appears very competent.