A Canadian checking in

15 years 4 months ago - 15 years 4 months ago #22118 by Rosemary
Replied by Rosemary on topic A Canadian checking in
Dear Lady Jane,

My Stage and Grade is much worse than yours. If you are Ta, then this diagonisis is a good place to be with Bladder Cancer. However, with that being said, the comment about BCG not being as effective with Ta disease is definitely something that you need to do your own research on. Also, the fact that BCG doesn't seem to be working for you, at least in my own mind, should be a major consideration for you. All of THAT being said, I am glad that you have faith in your Doctor as that is a very great advantage in fighting this disease. Still, one of our greatest pieces of advice (that we have historically been giving at this forum) is to ALWAYS get a second opinion with any bladder cancer diagnosis.

It is great that your husband is being as supportive as he is being for you.
Perhaps the rest of your family needs a little education about the disease!
There is a wide range of possiblilites as you travel along this path. Still, a lot of us with a worse pathology would like to have had a Ta report...

When I was in my greatest funk after my initial diagnosis, I was moping around pretty awful and just saggy, draggy and wallowing in it. My brother called and my Mom told him that I was "depressed." My brother said to Mom to "Tell her to suck it up, she'll be allright."

I can't tell you why, but when that statement was repeated to me, the very clouds lifted from off of my head...:silly:

Yep, I know about the 100th Anniversary. I've been hearing about all the conferences at the U of Guelph and the festivities at Bala and Norval...

Take care,
Ro

Rosemary
Age - 55
T1 G3 - Tumor free 2 yrs 3 months
Dx January 2006

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15 years 4 months ago #22117 by sapie
Replied by sapie on topic A Canadian checking in
Hi Lady Jane,

I am also going to George Dumont Hospital. My urologist is Dr. Marc Savoie. I too feel I get good care and have faith in him. You can check www.ratemds.com to see information about your doctor, there is some good comments about your DR. I do know how you feel about people around not being able to relate to what we are going through. It can be hurtfull. Just pick yourself up and make through another second, minute,day...and keep breathing. your Canadian friend Sapie. By the way, Sapie is the name of dog (unfortunalty she passed away a few months ago).

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15 years 4 months ago #22112 by Nix
Replied by Nix on topic A Canadian checking in
Hello Lady Jane
Welcome to our family. As Rosemary stated, I am also sorry you keep having more tumors immediately after BCG. However, unfortunately, BCG is not as effective with Ta. I also like my Uro, but with his blessing I get second opinions, and even third opinions. My doctor is always open to other opinions and new research being done. I feel as if we are working on my Bladder Cancer together - that helps the "control freak" in my personality.:P
Good luck with your Turb and keep us updated on your progress.

Nix

Nancy S
Ta CIS
dx Ta 11/06
dx Ta CIS 10/07

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15 years 4 months ago #22108 by Lady Jane
Replied by Lady Jane on topic A Canadian checking in
Hi everyone. Thanks for the warm welcome.

Cynthia I believe my first pathology report stared TA low grade. Does that make sence? I am planning on seeing my Urologist after this surgery to review all reports to see if there were any changes in the tumour grades. I didn't know as much then as I do now so an appt is due.

Suzi, so glad you responded and I wish you the best. I have to say that I get great care here in Canada.

Hi Rosemary, you Anne Fan. I haven't has another opinion as I really like my urologist and have lots of faith in him. I'll see how it goes after the next round and the maintenance. I have to admit that I didn't take as good care of myself as I could have this year. That changed and I have changed. Hopefully looking after ME will be the change that is needed.
I live about an hour from Cavendish. Nothing is to far away on the Island. You must know that this is the 100th anniversary of the writing of Anne?

Sapie, you aren't my cousin are you? She calls herself sapie. LOL
I am in Moncton. Although I am not french I go to the George Dumont hospital and my doc Is Dr. Rene Francis Anthony. He is Haitian therefore French.

I have to tell you all that this site/forum is going to be so good for me. I really need to be around friends that understand.

Most of my family doesn't get it. My brother and SIL thought I had pre-cancerous cells. My SIL likes to remind me of a friend who had the same thing and it was a breeze for him. I'll let my brothers, SIl's know I am having another operation but I don't hear from them before or after. That hurts my heart. My mother, although she is supportive, likes to remind me that it could be worse like a brain tumour and when I am feeling "sorry for myself" all I have to do is think of the friends I have with severe cancer and to suck it up.
And truthfully that is what I do. I often disregard it and say its nothing and that makes my husband very angry.
Thats one of the changes I made recently. I will not disregard this as if its nothing. I know there are people alot more sick then I, ( I have 2 friends very sick) but I have to acknowledge myself. Thats the only way I will look after myself. Does that make sense?:blink:

Ta Grade 1
6 TURBS
15 BCG
dx Jan 07

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15 years 4 months ago #22107 by sapie
Replied by sapie on topic A Canadian checking in
Nice meeting you Lady Jane. I am also a Canadian. I am not too far from you, I am from NB. We have a similar story. I too was diagnosed with BC, T1G3. Everything started for me in March of this year. I went for a second opinion, and I am now being treated by a urologist/oncologist in Moncton. I definitly admire your attitute. Hope we will be able to keep in touche.

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15 years 4 months ago #22105 by Rosemary
Replied by Rosemary on topic A Canadian checking in
Dear Lady Jane,

So nice to meet you!! It's rather like kismet to meet you here. I am probably the world's greatest LM Montgomery fan. In fact, I am staying home tomorrow from work to finish reading the new biography, "Gift of Wings".

As far as the Bladder Cancer goes, I'm personally concerned that you are having recurrances while you are undergoing the BCG therapy. Do you feel a confidence in your Doctor? Have you had a second opinion?

Please come back and talk to us some more.

How far do you live from Cavendish?

Your new friend,
Rosemary in North Carolina

Rosemary
Age - 55
T1 G3 - Tumor free 2 yrs 3 months
Dx January 2006

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