whew! finally ! and a question for all

Rosemary, Thanks for answering the FISH question. I do not get on as often as in the past - new job eats up a lot of time.

David, The FISH test looks for abnormal chromosomal markers from cells in the bladder. FISH can be done on voided samples, but my uro does a bladder wash through the cystoscope. I have had positive results from the bladder and from the ureters, but visual inspection have all been negative. Since then I have seen Dr. Lamm (I live close to Phoenix) and learned that false positives sometimes happen right after BCG, especially after the first 6 weeks of treatment. All of my FISH results since last summer have been negative.

Ross

THANK YOU EVERYONE i know we are all different and you caqnt predict my outcome just wanted to know it COULD be possible if others went a while between there occurences. and i feel good that i have more info from you all. sorry i am never online thats why it took so long for me to read and reply. thanks again. becky

This definition of "FISH" was found at Web Cafe. I personally have never had the FISH test and don't know why...


Here is the web link...

blcwebcafe.org/content/view/92/102/lang,english/

What is "pos FISH"?

Thanks,
David

Congratulations on your good news. I have been almost 20 months cancer free. I had 1 tumor removed in March of 2006, then had a clean cysto in June. Thought everything was ok until checkup in September 2006 and had 4 tumors removed. Moved to a different city in October 2006 and first cysto with new doctor revealed 11 tumors - seems I had a little seeding going on. The new doc removed the tumors, instilled mitomycin after Turb and we started BCG maintenance. Have not had any tumors since Jan 07, but have had some biopsies due to pos FISH - which we found out could be caused by the BCG therapy (as per Dr. Lamm). I was never a smoker, but had exposure to aniline in college as a chemistry major - so really have not had much of a lifestyle change except to pay attention to eating more fruits and vegetables and drinking more water.

If someone had told me 10 years ago about all the cystos and catheters I would have said, "not for me!!!" But now I am glad for all the checkups so at least this disease won't sneak up on me.

Ross

Glad to hear you are clear! For me I went for ten months before it came back. Rocky