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