In the past 18 months I have had 4 TURBT's, which means that my cancer continues to return after each surgery. Has anyone else experienced this many surgeries in the same time frame? I am concerned that I should be looking at a different treatment option.
Are you being treated with mitomycin or other chemo after your surgeries? this is the new protocol. Is you cancer superficial or invasive? It might ease your mind to get another opinion or begin to ask some more direct questions of your urologist. IE: what is going on for these repeated recurrences so close together? do we know if this is involving the muscle? how do you feel about treating the bladder with mitomycin at the time of turbt to clean up any stray cells?
Then some other things you might think about, are to drink 6-8 glasses of water daily, to include some raw cruciferous veggies in your diet 3x a week, (brocc, cauli, cabbage, etc) . if you smoke, stop, and or you might research other causative factors of bladder cancer and see if anything is going on in your life or work you might need to consider changing. These were pieces of advice given to me by a second opinion consult with an oncologist.
I think the fact that you are wondering if you should be looking at different treatment options is excellent, and is a good first step to getting a handle on this frequent recurrence.
Nancy
I agree with nancynurse, if you're unsure if your treatment is the right one, seek another opinion. Peace of mind about your treatment goes a long way in helping you to battle this. I had one TURB and then 3 rounds of chemo and a RC with an indiana pouch created. I have been cancer free since 12/06 and now work out regularly, play tennis and have a pretty normal life. But I had to get two other opinions before I made my final decision. So take control, you'll feel more confident about your future if you do.
Basha
Thanks for the great replies, I appreciate the encouragement, as well as the suggestions. My cancer is non-invasive, (selected the wrong option), and have been told that it has not progressed into the muscle. No other treatments have been given after the surgery. I know that there is a very high occurance rate, so that didn't surprise me. Just didn't anticipate it to happen quite as fast and frequently. I will be having the fourth TURBT tomorrow, intend to discuss further treatments with my doctor. I am not a smoker and don't work in or around any type of chemicals, will look into the nutrition aspect. Thanks again!
hi...suzie...i also was not aware that the tumors could grow that quickly...has each tumor been biopsied and found to be cancerous?...i think i would go for a second opinion also and see if there is another option other than to have so many surgeries in such a short time...i don't know how old you are but i do know that surgery can take a toll on your body...are you working with anyone other than your urologist?...i definetly would be looking hard to find some answers so maybe a second opinion would give you some other options. good luck and God Bless...Lyn
Hi Suzie
I had superficial bladder cancer in 2003-2004. during that time I had TUBR In Jan.03 two tumors removed followed by 6 rounds of BCG treatments then in June 03 two more tumors removed then another round of BCG treaments then in Jan 04 two more tumors however they found one tumor at that time that was becoming invasive so in Feb. 04 had my bladder removed. So yes they can come back quickly so it is very important to follow up on all your appts. I am doing very well today and living a good quality of life.
Don't get discouraged, I too never smoked etc. it just happens but make sure you go for ALL your follow ups. Stay positive and one day at a time. Good Luck tomorrow
Mariann
My Mom has had three TURBs since may. Yes they grow quickly but there are other treatments.
We recently returned from the Mayo Clinic they said a combo of Chemo and directed radiation . They said it is quite new and about 70% succesful.
They also said that we could continue to do TURBs.
She has some areas that are superficial so they want to do BCG as well.
I hope this helps. Keep talking to different doctors.
Good luck with your discussion, and your urologist should be aware of the changed protocols for recurrence of superficial bladder cancer that include instillation of mitomycin at the time of surgery right after the excision of the tumors.
Good luck and let us know how it goes
Thanks to all of you for your posts. The 4th TUR went well, however there were two tumors which were removed, the path report came back T1-G3, I start my first round of BCG on 9/18. Will keep you all posted on the progress!
Suzie,
Hi,,,my husband was stage 3 T-2 right off the bat,he had 2 turbts to etermine his r/c. They are keeping a close eye on you, and I hope you remain non- invasive,,,take care,ginger
Add to the discussion