Need Physician Choice Feedback

I was diagnosed last week with cancer in the bladder wall, and my current physician recommends complete removal.

I'm looking for the best physician at the Siteman Cancer Center in Saint Louis, MO to pursue second opinion before agreeing to surgery.

It is also possible I will pursue treatment at MD Anderson, and would appreciate any doctor suggestions for there, too.

 I would also appreciate any comments from other patients who have had removal surgery done.

 Any input out there?

On 3/20/2008 EagleMan wrote:

I was diagnosed last week with cancer in the bladder wall, and my current physician recommends complete removal.

I'm looking for the best physician at the Siteman Cancer Center in Saint Louis, MO to pursue second opinion before agreeing to surgery.

It is also possible I will pursue treatment at MD Anderson, and would appreciate any doctor suggestions for there, too.

 I would also appreciate any comments from other patients who have had removal surgery done.

 Any input out there?

Eagleman

I totally think that you should take the adivce of a doctor to remove the whole bladder. I was faced with the same situation but mine is a very rare form of bladder cancer ( urachal cancer) and the only cure is surgery. I decieded to have half my bladder removed because I was only 35 and It seemed like a good risk to take. 2 and half years later I wish I had had the whole bladder moved right away and been able move on with my life. Instead I was to have another operation to remove the entire bladder removed after learning it was back on the remaining bladder and lymph nodes. I woke up from that operation with the news the doctors were unable to remove anything due to the fact that the cancer had spread and they felt they wouldn't be able to get all of it. I now have been on chemo for over a year and have tried all the chemos and they had no effect. I am now  in a phase one clinical study with not much hope because surgery is your best bet for a cure!!! go for it! you will be gald you did!! there is lots of help out there if you do need it. A web site that deals with just bladder cancer is called blcewebcafe.org and it has alot of people who have been through what you face.  I hope this will only somehow help you

dasiy bear

try urology consultants, ltd.  314-567-6071- they are located off of 270 and 64 in west county

my husband has seen dr vulin and dr spellman for kidney stone issues that flared up during his colon surgeries.   My husband was treated Missouri Baptist Hospital which is part of the BJC group.

THey might be able to help you out with a second opinion

debbie

On 3/20/2008 EagleMan wrote:

I was diagnosed last week with cancer in the bladder wall, and my current physician recommends complete removal.

I'm looking for the best physician at the Siteman Cancer Center in Saint Louis, MO to pursue second opinion before agreeing to surgery.

It is also possible I will pursue treatment at MD Anderson, and would appreciate any doctor suggestions for there, too.

 I would also appreciate any comments from other patients who have had removal surgery done.

 Any input out there?

Hi, I had a radical cyustectomy April 29 2004, 4 years ago.

While the period of recuperation was not a piece of cake I have to say that the results to date have been short of woderful. Urination and control have been excellent.

 I had my surgery with Dr Donal Skinner at USC Norris Cancer Center./ They specialize in Urology and are leaders in the field. For me they have been wonderful. The Doctor's, Staff, Nurses, Interns ALL wonderful.

M D Anderson is a top facility also and I live in Texas but opted for California because of the track history of the surgeons. I am sure at M D Anderson they also have top pysicians.

If you need a cystectomy, it is not the end of the world. Quality of life is excellent and you can go on almost like nothing happenned.

Good luck. if I can further assist you in any way let me know

Luis

On 4/24/2008 Skylid wrote:

 

On 3/20/2008 EagleMan wrote:

I was diagnosed last week with cancer in the bladder wall, and my current physician recommends complete removal.

I'm looking for the best physician at the Siteman Cancer Center in Saint Louis, MO to pursue second opinion before agreeing to surgery.

It is also possible I will pursue treatment at MD Anderson, and would appreciate any doctor suggestions for there, too.

 I would also appreciate any comments from other patients who have had removal surgery done.

 Any input out there?

 

Hi, I had a radical cyustectomy April 29 2004, 4 years ago.

While the period of recuperation was not a piece of cake I have to say that the results to date have been short of woderful. Urination and control have been excellent.

 I had my surgery with Dr Donal Skinner at USC Norris Cancer Center./ They specialize in Urology and are leaders in the field. For me they have been wonderful. The Doctor's, Staff, Nurses, Interns ALL wonderful.

M D Anderson is a top facility also and I live in Texas but opted for California because of the track history of the surgeons. I am sure at M D Anderson they also have top pysicians.

If you need a cystectomy, it is not the end of the world. Quality of life is excellent and you can go on almost like nothing happenned.

 

Good luck. if I can further assist you in any way let me know

Luis

Thank you very much for responding, and for the information.  It's nice to hear success stories at this point in my treatment.  Good luck to you in the future.