I was initially diagnosed with Ta G1 in 1998, recurrence of Ta G2 in 2000. Then I was cancer-free for 7 years. The cancer returned as high grade (still, as it turned out, only in the lining) in July 2007. At that point I thought it prudent to consult with one of the big teaching hospitals. At my first consultation, the urological oncologist said the words "take out your bladder" four times in the first 15 minutes. Each time I felt a painful pang of anxiety. He was not recommending it immediately, of course, but talking about what he would do down the line. I saw no reason for him to shake me up with those words at that time. (The tumors were very small, had been removed, and there was no CIS). Why would he keep repeating that phrase, if not to scare the patient? Before him, the thought of cystectomy had never occurred to me. I would have preferred to keep it that way unless/until invasion occurred, and, of course, it is more likely not to invade than to do so. Needless to say, I was very displeased with that doctor, and moved on.
On this site, superficial and invasive posts are separated for good reason. Each of us is free to choose what we think will be helpful to read and leave the rest. I have recently read a little in the invasive section, in very small steps. I'm walking a fine line, balancing satisfying my curiosity with trying to curb my anxiety about worst-case scenarios.
Connie
