Greetings. I introduced myself back about 5 mos ago on the newcomers page. My husband was just beginning his journey into the world of Bladder Cancer and had gotten his 2nd TURBT when I posted last.
Here's the beast we're battling: Muscle-Invasive High-Grade Papillary Urothelial Carcinoma (cT3, cN0, cM0, Stage III); history of single functioning right kidney and severe left hydronephrosis. Bladder tumor with indistinct fascial planes with the prostate gland. Findings of bilateral hydroureter with marked left-sided hydronephrosis suggesting invasion of the Trigone. No distant metastases observed.
A lot has evolved in the last few months! In October we met with my husband's Oncology team at UNC. He started neoadjuvant chemotherapy back in October with Cisplatin and Gemcitabine. Chemo was tolerated fairly well and the only issues were after the 2nd and 4th cycles when he received a RBC transfusion. Since chemo ended in mid-January we are on a "squat and hold" pattern awaiting our next UNC appointment in late February and begin the pre-surgery phase. Spouse has some upcoming tests/scans prior to that appointment.
I'm frustrated that the local oncologist, who managed his chemotherapy locally, didn't schedule a scan post-chemo. I'm concerned about my husband's kidney function and whether the chemo was successful in shrinking the tumor - he still has to urinate every 30-45 minutes and has occasional hematuria. He's a tough nut and doesn't complain when he's hurting and minimizes his symptoms when he talks to me so I don't get "stressed". All-in-all we are getting through this a day at a time.
I'm not sure what all the pathology/staging stuff means. I'm two-thirds of the way to my MD degree via MayoClinic, WebMD, and other websites.
Of particular concern is the potential involvement of the Trigone--that didn't return much encouraging news in my searches.
Thanks in advance for any information or help you can give me.
