The "Weeds" in my garden. ( BC info )

One interesting thing that has happened to me is that my 2nd opinion uro ( Dr M Jewett in Toronto Canada) and my new urologist in my city, have both given the same analogy for what they sometimes see in non-invasive papillary tumours that have high recurrence rate such as myself.

They both described it like a garden. You till up the soil, pull all the weeds and it looks great for a couple of weeks. Then you look again and there are more weeds ! Back to pulling them out and getting it looking good and then more weeds!

In BC terms, you remove papillary tumours ( TURBs) and a few weeks later, more have come back. ( see weeds during cystoscopy)
So again another TURB to remove tumours and then next cysto more tumours/weeds.

What they both said is that eventually the weeds get weaker, ( smaller tumours) and less of them ( 1 or 2 tumours) until you get free of all the weeds. You are still monitored for recurrence, as we know we all must have done, but they both said they see long periods of time when there are no weeds at all.

So thats what I am working on. A weedless garden.
I know this sounds silly but 2 seperate ( 1 world reknown and the other the top in Atlantic Canada) are saying the same thing to me. Eventually the weeds will be gone, we'll have to monitor to see if they come back, but its what they both see in their practices with someone like myself.

Did I fail BCG? Not sure. Both of them said it seems to have made the weeds smaller and less of them, so I like to assume it did work for me.

Anyway, just wanted to share.

By Moonerj
Posted October 29, 2009 at 2:27 pm
Report post

Hi Ladyjane
Thanks for sharing your current status in the bladder cancer journey. Isn't great when both Uros agree with your dx and protocol for treatments. Well I mean no further treatments.
Being a bit bias as you know, I believe BCG cleaned up your garden. Eventually I believe the weeds will be gone and gone forever.
So you get to see your "hot" Uro every three months to look to see if any weeds show up. No more treatments. Weeds are small and low grade.
See what BCG has done for you.
I wish you all the best,
BCG = Bladder Cancer Gone
Jack

By Kyle-MO
Posted October 29, 2009 at 2:37 pm
Report post

LJ, That's a interesting way of looking at the reoccurances, and we know that keeping a garden weedfree takes alot of work to keep the weeds out, but as mentioned eventually if we keep after them our hard work and effort pays off. I know that you have put in alot of hard work, and I know the end result will be weed free, or as we like to look at it ( ALL CLEAR ).
Thanks for the post, that's an interesting way to look at it, and keep after them WEEDS !
Take care,
Kyle

By Karego
Posted October 29, 2009 at 6:36 pm
Report post

Dr Soloway likened the tumors to freckles. He said they just keep popping up in different places.
I think i like your 'weed' analogy better. BCG is the weed killer.
Karego

By SilverGrizzly
Posted October 29, 2009 at 9:17 pm
Report post

LJ,
I just LOVE this garden analogy. :-) You describe it all so poetically. And BCG as the weed killer, to go along with the pulling up of the weeds that the uros do. I guess for those of us with CIS, it is like moss instead of weeds. Still need to get it out of there so the flowers can grow in the garden... Let's hear it for doing away with those weeds and moss!! -Jan

By balihigh
Posted October 29, 2009 at 9:23 pm
Report post

When I was first diagnosed with bladder cancer and seeking all the information I could, I ran across a video by Dr. McDonnell (I hope I have the doc and university correct as this was almost 2 years ago) of the University of Iowa (I think). He decribed bladder cancer much the same way. He said when you have a TURBT "seeds" are scattered much like a dandelion. That is why it recurs so much of the time. The BCG is needed to help our bodies attack these new cancers. Your post reminded me of this very good analogy.
Thanks.
Hugs,
Nancy

By robm
Posted October 29, 2009 at 9:26 pm
Report post

ms.LJ123
i don't know - somehow can't get the picture of Roundup out of my mind - really glad to hear your "weeds" are small guys - not like the impressively huge things in my yard later rob

By simpleone
Posted October 29, 2009 at 9:26 pm
Report post

Now that is just great!!!! I hope you don't mind that I'd like to use it. I'll give credit or pay royalties Have so many freinds that could benefit from it. Unfortunetly for me I must have the Napa Valley of bladders. Great post I love it.

Simpleone

By silgal
Posted October 30, 2009 at 8:54 am
Report post

LJ great analogy...... great that they are getting smaller and fewer. soon your garden will be all clear (my favorite phrase) of weeds. happy day.
thinking of you xo michelle

By 15yrsurvivor
Posted October 30, 2009 at 6:02 pm
Report post

This is a great way of helping patients understand what is going on when we experience recurrences! I believe this kind of explanation helps people feel hopeful and
that there is some kind of logic involved, albeit unpredictable.

By 15yrsurvivor
Posted October 31, 2009 at 5:07 pm
Report post

Dandelion is a weed, but I hear it makes a fine wine!
Just like "making lemonade from lemons," when that's what life hands you.

By Moonerj
Posted November 1, 2009 at 1:09 pm
Report post

My garden has been bare for two years. Major drought in my area. No forecast for rain for at least 25 years. I am liking it!
BCG = Bladder Cancer Gone
Jack

Welcome to Inspire!

Explore topics in this discussion:

17 replies

Add to the discussion

Related links from BCAN

Group leaders

You