Two Questions

8 years 2 weeks ago #50813 by elliedot
Replied by elliedot on topic Two Questions
I am with Group Health so there were limited choices. I was delighted with my surgeon- Dr Ma. My urologist was Dr. Smith - both at the Bellevue GH center. Surgery was at Overlake Hospital. I did concult with Seattle Cancer Alliance at UW Hospital and was told that they would do exactly what Dr Ma and Dr Smith were planning. My oncologist is Dr Moderrassi. Good luck to you. Having a complete removal of the bladder was comforting because I worry less about reoccurrence. Keep us posted on your progress.
The following user(s) said Thank You: Cynthia

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

8 years 2 weeks ago #50811 by Jay
Replied by Jay on topic Two Questions
Like said in a previous posts, we're not doctors, we can just tell our experience. I live in the Phoenix Valley and Banner MD Anderson or Cancer Center Treatment of America (CTCA) were my first 2 choices. My Uro practices part time at CTCA so this is where I chose to go and have all my operations scheduled with him. Correct, CTCA has many "showboat" features, but it seems like everywhere else is getting like them. I don't know about their expertise in any form of cancer, but it seems to me they do know what they are doing when it comes to the bladder. I'm assigned a team of professionals, can talk/email them anytime I want to and am very satisfied. Everyplace, everyone is different, it's a tough choice, but I did go to both places before making my final decision. And, this forum is GREAT!!! Good luck, Jay

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

8 years 2 weeks ago #50806 by MSF49
Replied by MSF49 on topic Two Questions
elliedot: I am just starting my BC journey and Seattle is a center of excellence that I am considering. Could you tell me the name of your surgeon?

Thanks MSF49

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

8 years 4 months ago #49797 by elliedot
Replied by elliedot on topic Two Questions
Hi Angelgrl
Sorry about the diagnosis but life can get better. I had a radical surgery a year ago and have had an Ileal Conduit since then. I also had 4 months of chem after the surgery. I think the main question you need to ask any surgeon is "How many of these surgeries have you done?" My surgeon in the Seattle area does about 2/week and has been doing them for quite a while. There are not many who deal with the radical surgery regularly.
I find the Ileal Conduit to not be a big problem. It seems to have fewer problems than the other options but I really didn't have a choice because of the location of the invasive cancer in the bladder. Find a surgeon with experience. Each of the options for urine collection have pros and cons. I was 76 and the surgeon said as I get older this Ileal Conduit is easier to manage. So far it has been pretty easy. And my surgeon bragged about the 'beautiful stoma' which he built for me along with a new belly button. I guess surgeons need to find joy also.
Good luck. Keep us informed about your progress. I found the chemo to be the hardest part of the treatment and am still working to regain strength.
elliedot

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

8 years 4 months ago - 8 years 4 months ago #49794 by Cynthia
Replied by Cynthia on topic Two Questions
Angel,

My point is not so much where you go but that you need to find someone soon no one wants to face Radical Cystectomy but you need to talk over your options with someone who you trust and can help you make treatment decisions as soon as possible. Where you are going is a teaching hospital and well thought of. But if you would like more options here are a few that have designated bladder cancer programs in California.

bladdercancersupport.org/bladder-cancer-help/resources/treatment-center-finder/search-results?order=rdate&dir=1&cat=188&query=all

You can reach me by emailing to our contact us form but please know that I am not a doctor and can not give medical advice.

bladdercancersupport.org/bladder-cancer-help/bladder-cancer-site-help/bladder-cancer-cus

Good luck and keep us updated.

Cynthia Kinsella
T2 g3 CIS 8/04
Clinical Trial
Chemotherapy & Radiation 10/04-12/04
Chemotherapy 3/05-5/05
BCG 9/05-1-06
RC w/umbilical Indiana pouch 5/06
Left Nephrectomy 1/09
President American Bladder Cancer Society

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

8 years 4 months ago #49792 by angelgrl
Replied by angelgrl on topic Two Questions
Thank you MHY. That was most helpful. I just looked up Sai's profile and he does seem very promising. It is a distance however, there is the Moores cancer center here in San Diego and their is a Dr. Kader who specializes in bladder cancer, I did see him once for a second opinion last year when I was first diagnosed with the cancer. He informed then that I did not need chemotherapy, however, I already started it when I saw him. Cynthia is it possible to contact you privately? Thank you.

angelgrl

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

Moderators: Cynthiaeddieksara.anne