Husband's biopsy confirmed metastatic bladder cancer in lymph nodes

4 years 11 months ago #57437 by teachcc
Unfortunately after RC we thought cancer was gone. 14 lymph nodes were removed with not one trace of cancer so yes even with chemo one cell escaped and hid in his body to be found 9 mos later. He is on his 3rd round of chemo now. Praying for a miracle. Hoping the chemo will slow the progression to other areas and give us more time.

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4 years 11 months ago #57423 by sara.anne
For two reasons, at least. The cancer may be hiding in a remote lymph node or elsewhere in the body, and second there is uretheal tissue outside the bladder. Cancer may occur there also. The odds are that cystectomy will remove all the cancer, but it can show up elsewhere.

Sara Anne

Diagnosis 2-08 Small papillary TCC; CIS
BCG; BCG maintenance
Vice-President, American Bladder Cancer Society
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4 years 11 months ago #57417 by Ange
I also wonder how can someone have bladder cancer again, if bladder is removed?

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4 years 11 months ago #57248 by sara.anne
Bladder cancer occurs not just in the bladder, but in other places in the urinary system. It can hide there and also in the lymph nodes and spread (metastasize) into other parts of the body long after the bladder has been removed. This is one reason that often times chemotherapy is done before a radical cystectomy so that any cancer that has "escaped" can be treated.

Many patients who have radical cystectomies are truly cured. Others find out later that the cancer had already spread beyond the bladder.

Sara Anne

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

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4 years 11 months ago #57247 by Ange
Prayers I thought if you had radical bladder cancer removed, how can you ge it back if no bladder is there?

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5 years 3 weeks ago #57019 by JigStep
Dear teachcc:

I am a relatively recent subscriber to the forum and have found it exceptionally helpful in providing information about this condition. I saw your post over the weekend, but didn't know how to respond. I apologize that I didn't.

My efforts at prayer have always been rather intermittent and disjointed, but I want to let you know I have been lifting-up in prayer you and your husband and son and his bride-to-be. I wish you strength and peace. -Stu

7/18 Gross hematuria; 8/18 TURBT: papillary urothelial carcinoma, LG, T1; 12/18 TURB: benign urothelial mucosa, cystitis; 9/19 TURBT: papillary urothelial carcinoma, HG noninvasive; 6/20 TURB: NED, inflammation; 10/21 TURB. NED, inflammation.

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