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A bit of an update...

JimV
0 Recommendations

I was added to the October calendar (thank you very much) for a cysto and ureteroscopy.

By way of history, I joined here in 2008 and have had CIS since 2003. Went through the various treatments and the lesions seem to come and go randomly, with the last one seen nearly three years ago.

For the recent procedure, a mass was found and removed, but was biopsied as negative (with my history who would have thought?), so I am fortunate and blessed for that. Assuming lack of symptoms or signs, I'm off the hook until a six month CT and then another annual surgery. Like I said I am fortunate and blessed.

Meanwhile, I do check in here and also, when able, I like to attend support group informational meetings in Ann Arbor. These meeting are great. I used to chime in when someone asked questions about BCG or any other questions the newcomers might have, but I don't think I could do as well (anymore) as some of the participants here in providing tips or info.

Regardless of my own course, I do keep track of the goings on here and keep my fellow patients and list members in my regular prayers. Keep up the good work.

Explore topics in this discussion:

Cancer Surgery Neobladder Bladder cancer

12 replies

Kyle-MO

Thanks for posting Jim, and congratulations on the latest mass biopsy being negative ! What type of surgery will you be having ? How many rounds of bcg have you had ? Wishing you the best on the CT scan, and upcoming surgery.
Take care,
Kyle

roadrunner

Thanks for the update, please drop in as often as you can,,we sure like to hear any news. especially good news....ginger

JimV

Thanks Ginger...

JimV

Thanks for asking, Kyle. I had a few rounds of the BCG. Seemed to help, then another onset and one last round. By round I mean a weekly treatment for a specified number of weeks, Can't remember if it was three or four weeks. I won't be getting BCG again, due to the return of lesions on at least two subsequent occasions.

When last seen , the cancer was in a ureter. So, a different specialist has been doing the cystoscopies and these have been in OR under a general asthesia. I had a few on a 6 month basis, but have now "graduated" to an annual.

The bottom line is that CIS is tough to get rid of. I've seen people here have recurrences after a ten year hiatus. For this reason, I don't get too uppity over this transition, and I make a habit of checking in here to see how the treatment regimens are going and also to hear how the neo people are doing. I find it both supportive and inspirational.

roadrunner

Gosh, I am now OFFICIALLY .THE CALENDAR GIRL,,,,
all becasue of my husband,I knew I would make it someday....JUST NOT IN THIS CRITERIA..THATS OKAY...

Memi

Thanks for posting, Jim. Since, I have CIS, I especially like to hear from CIS fighters and survivors.
Praying for you.

Memi

Kyle-MO

Thanks for the reply Jim !
The information you post will be helpful to many of us in our fight. Best wishes for success in your next procedures.
Take care,
Kyle

silgal

Thanks Jim, for letting us know. Wishing you health in the coming year... and keep us posted. I like hearing that things are clear and good! :) I also know what you mean when you say you have to keep a positive but realistic outlook ..... :)

JimV

Thanks to all, especially the calendar girl...LOL

marthageorge

Jim,
I live in Novi and would like information on the Bladder Cancer support groups that meet in Ann Arbor.
Thanks, Sandy.

JimV

Sandy - Here you go. This was posted by Rick and contains the info to learn all about this group.

http://www.inspire.com/groups/bladder-cancer-advocacy-network/discussion/de troit-mi-survivors-neobladder-voiding-dysfunction-11-15-u-michigan/

nancynursez637

If you have not seen the movie, Calendar Girls and need a laugh out loud evening, give it a try

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