Discuss With Other People Who Have This Diagnosis

50 year smoker,female, diagnosed mid-October 2004, surgery 8 days later. Superficial, stage 2, Ta. and have just completed 6 weekly sessions of BCG / Interferon A. Will go in for a check-up in 6 more weeks. From reading other folks histories on this site, I'm led to believe that this is an oft-repeated sequence....BCG again.....and again.....? I'm feeling fine, no side effects to speak of, but am curious about others and the "repeat" that I've read about. My understanding from the urologic oncologist who did my surgery, is that BCG reduces recurrance, but does not eliminate it. This is a cancer that gets very little "press" and perhaps we the patients need to 'get the word out'.....my first episode of bleeding was 10 years ago, and I was told by an ER doc to drink lots of water (probably hemmorhagic cystitis?) and it would go away. I did and it did, but when it happened again in August '04, it was cancer.

Hi,
One of my friends is where you are at. She is on repeated bcg's. She is angry that my husband had his removed. She is older and thinks it would be easier. There is nothing like a natural bladder but the fear of cancer is terrible.
Get on some of the nurtition as recommended at this cancer center site. It will help your body build up the immune system. Which should help you keep your cancer in control.
From the studying I/We have done it takes lots of the nurtioton thing and natural supplementtation too. But it would be wise tohave a good nuritional specialist so you don't end up feeding the cancer.
Read cancertutor.com for ideas.
rose

Rose,

Thanks for your response.....I know the repeating treatments at my teaching hospital are considered to be "maintenance" chemo. Research shows it to be effective. One of the things I've learned in this process is to have faith in your doc. I've requested dietetic consults, and as a home economist, I was already doing many of the recommeded changes, but added a few. Your nutrition site is interesting, but very contrary to my training. Good luck, both to your husband and your friend. Henrietta

Hi,
He is very different from my training also. some of his information is good and some ...well.
Another place to research is newhealthhq.com. He is a md/obgyn on the cutting edge of cancer research. He has worked in oncology and radiation.
rose

Rose.

My newest book is one I ordered from this site...."Beating Cancer with Nutrition" which is considered to be a 'bible' for RD/LD's practicing in area hospitals and nursing homes in the midwest. There are many things I'd not known that Dr. Patrick Quillin included and I've utilized some of his suggestions. Others are frowned on by other docs, especially endocrinologists. I'll visit your suggested site also. Keep learning and questioning. Henrietta......

Hi,
Is this a book store book or do you hve to order it specail.
rose

Rose, as I recall, I saw the reference to it on this site, and looked for it online....maybe at half.com or amazon or b&n....? The 1994 edition is what I have and it was $15.00, probably less at half.com. Happy hunting......Henrietta