Latest Bladder Cancer discussions http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/cancers/bladder-cancer/1,0,119,10.htm Fri, 16 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT Fri, 16 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://backend.userland.com/rss RSS.NET: http://www.rssdotnet.com/ Hello All,I am in need of advice. My mom has been diagnosed with T2a - G3 bladder cancer and is scheduled for a radical cystectomy next month. I am trying to gain as much information as I can, however there are a few questions that I have. 1) Will the Dr. be able to determine if there is lymph node involvement prior to her radical cystectomy surgery? If so, how? Or will we have to wait for the pathology report after the surgery? Her Dr. has said that he does not suspect that it has spread.2) My mom has chosen a neobladder as her first choice of reconstruction. What has been your experience with this choice?3) She is scheduled for an addtional CT scan as a pre-op test. Shouldn't there be other tests as well, such as a PET scan or bone scan?Thank you so much for any insight/advice that you can offer..Kristin http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,24046,0.htm kmk70 Thu, 15 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT My father was diagnosed with prostate cancer in the spring of 2004.  Went through treatment.  The doctors were successful in treating.  PSA back in normal range.  This last fall, they diagnosed him with bladder cancer in which he went through two rounds of 6 week chemo before the biopsy came back negative.  Immediately following his last treatment, he was admitted to the hospital for a number of reasons, one of which was pain near his hip.  Did a scan and suspect a bone near his hip for bone cancer.  Meanwhile, in the hospital he started retaining water, so they did a number of liver tests and blood tests.  Put him on restrictive fluid intake and occasional diuretic as needed. Also, came down with pneumonia. Put him on antibiotic drip.   Are currently concerned about elevated liver enzymes and possible infection - of what they cannot determine yet.  The hospital today is transporting him to Hershey Medical Center in the hope of finding some answers.  And until they figure out the first part of the puzzle, the bone biopsy is being put on the back burner.I live 6 - 8 hours away and have a family with 2 young children.  My mother is in contact with me on a daily basis, and explains to me as much as she is able.  With all the things that this man is going through, I just wonder if he is as unique a case as doctors claim. Has anyone else any experience with symptoms similiar to these? http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,23925,0.htm dougsdaughter Sun, 11 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT I was just diagnosed with t1,CIS a month ago and i am starting BCG treatments in two weeks I am a 36 year old womenI have been reading up on bladder cancer alot and you don't find many women that have been diagnosed, I am looking for a female that has gone through treatments or knows someone that has. http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,23716,0.htm ALOTTOFHOPE Sat, 03 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT my son has had (4) bladder surgeries in 5 years.  this last surgery left us with a pathology repot that reads: large bladder tumor, transurethral biopsies reading; non invasive papillary carcinoma-low grade.  But yet they say the cancer was a mass and it had gone to the neck of the bladder towards the prostate.  this tumor was measured at 7gm.   We are scared.....can anyone help us with suggestions?  The Dr said if the cancer goes to the prostate, he will not live 6 more months.  please help!!! http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,23690,0.htm beckylynn Sat, 03 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT Hello,Does anyone know of any research or reports on the recurrence of bladder cancer?  My husband was diagnosed with an aggressive & invasive bladder cancer last July; came through chemotherapy and a radical prostatecystectomy with outstanding results; all pathological tissue samples were negative. As rare as that is, I want to learn more about what the future might hold.Any personal stories are welcome.thanks,Elizabeth http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,23452,0.htm elikapeka Sat, 26 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT what are (cbg) bladder cancer treatments? http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,23415,0.htm beckylynn Fri, 25 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT My 7 years old ( will be 8 in May ) Sheltie, Spencer  was operated on for  bladder cancer April 15/2008He has recovered very well and will have the stitches removed Aptil 30th. I have decided not to go with Chemo but would like to try Metacam as was suggested but until he has firm stools that is not an option . His stools have been mostly diarrhea for the last 6 weeks and so after many changes in his food .I am now going to a Holistic Vet who has given him herbs for the stools and capsules for the cancer.I am feeding him rice and hamburg  as that seems to be all his digestive system can handle and the vets said that was fine ( 1/2 rice and 1/2 hamburg). My question is what is the best way to give the capsules as he will evenually be taking 4 of them twice a day with food.I believe this is the best for him as he is happy and not in any pain.Sandra  Sandra http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,23390,0.htm Bertie Thu, 24 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT Hi folks, I see in the message board several posts from both caregivers and patients wondering what lies in store.  I am early in the process, having just received initial staging of T1-G3, so at this point my situation is not life threatening.Still, treatment and the path forward are not going to be a lot of fun, and dealing with the ins and outs of medical bureaucracy can be frustrating. I decided to post a blog describing my journey in great detail (graphic details are kept under separate links), and some might find it helpful.  For those who have coping questions, my advice is to focus on the fact that bladder cancer is rarely life threatening, and patients need your love and support in dealing with the unpleasantness.  Worry will detract from healing, while positive support will help. People keep asking me what they can do, as they are frustrated and feel a need to DO SOMETHING.  The best thing to do is to be positive, supportive, and sympathetic, and keep everybody focused on the message that it's (usually) NOT LIFE THREATENING.  Once you get past that, everything else is easier! Check out my story at: http://gotbladdercancer.blogspot.com http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,23206,0.htm SteveK Sat, 19 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT Hi all.  We have a 10 yr old female Sheltie, EG, who was diagnosed with Bladder Cancer 3 wks ago.  We had been treating for urinary problems since October (6 months!) before the final diagnosis.  She is on Piroxacam, 1 ml per day (she is only 12 lbs) which she seems to be tolerating.  She does seem to be emptying her bladder better than she was 3 wks ago.  That is the only med she is currently on.  We are considering taking her to a holistic vet who is local to consult and see if there is any recommendations (Graviola?) and possible changes in diet.  We have made severe changes in her diet already (cut out starches, while flour, pork, beef). She is currently on Canidae food (turkey, fish, chicken) with a little yogurt.  Her treats consist of Broccoli, pea pods, green pepper. She has just in the last few days started peeing in her sleep - will be putting down pee pads to help that.   Other than above she is acting fine.  Our vet did not want to see her back for 1 month after going on the Pirox.  - don't know if that is typical or not. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks, Connie http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,22956,0.htm EGsMOM Fri, 11 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT My husband, David was diagnosed in december with Kidney cancer and had a kidney removed..was told it was sucessful, 1 month ago on follow up exam showed some abnormal cells were found in has bladderr, although pathologywas clean he began immunotherapy treatments (2 more to go) then another cysto and biopsy, cat scan, an probably "preventative chemoMy question is how do you cope between Dr visits, tests, results..ive never been a pateint person and I am a big worrier. David on the other hand is very good at waiting and feeling very posative. i cant let him see me cryany hints on how to control the anxiety?this is my first visit here and any help would be appreciated.sandy    http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,22811,0.htm WOLFLADY1020 Tue, 08 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT  iam new to this place anyways.. my boyfriend  has bladder cancer.. anyone else going through this i would like to heard from or anyone.. thanks  elsie http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,22541,0.htm tattoo Mon, 31 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT 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? http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,22196,0.htm EagleMan Thu, 20 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT I seen my Urologist yesterday.He performed the cystocope and it looked normal.  The US that was done, showed an apparent Hypoechoic filling defect in the posterior wall of the bladder.  So what did the radiologists see.  Could this be somewhere else, and he thought is was the bladder.   NEED HELP!!! Thanks   http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,21984,0.htm kgirl Fri, 14 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT Can anyone tell me if the hypoechoic filling defect in my posterior bladder wall could be benign or malignant. I have had hematuria the RBC was 17-22, everything else normal besides the US of the bladder.My cysto is tomorrow, little scared.   http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,21927,0.htm kgirl Wed, 12 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT I recently had an Ultrasound of the renal system. Kidneys looked good, but had an Apparent hypoechoic filling defect in the posterior wall of the bladder. My urine had 17-22 RBC.  Scheduled for MRI of Spine and also having UraDynamics along with a cystoscope done.  This all came to because I was not able to pee on my own, I have to straight cath myself.  Recently I have been able to go on my own, but the stream is weak.  Is this something that is serious, not real sure what they meant about the hypoechoic filling defect. Please help Thanks!  http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,21590,0.htm kgirl Mon, 03 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT My brother who is 47 years old has been diagnosed with neuro endorine bladder cancer high grade. I'm looking for anyone who has ever had to deal with this. Looking for any information on this disease, maybe even a hopeful story. From the information we got from the oncologist they give him 1-5 years if he tries chemo. I don't know what would happen should he decide not to take the chemo treatments. PLEASE HELP!!! http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,21221,0.htm jpubs Fri, 22 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT I am a 59 year old healthy woman who was diagnosed with small cell carcinoma of the bladder on February 5. I have had the tumor removed and through various pet scans and ct scans and MRIs it has been determined that the cancer has spread to my right lung. I am the antithesis of the patient with this kind of cancer, as I have never smoked in my life. My husband and I are going to M D Anderson in Houston next week to start treatment. I will keep you posted. http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,21099,0.htm Gort1 Tue, 19 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT Hi,My 16 yr. old mini-dachshund Jesse was diagnosed with TCC on 12/26/07.  After reading so many positive remarks about Graviola I purchased a bottle of capsules from a Health Food store here in Madison.  I used only about 1/2 capsule mixed with Jesse's canned food and he vomitted shortly thereafter.  He's also on Metacam which I gave to him at a different meal.  I haven't tried the Graviola again and he has not vomitted anymore. Did anyone else experience vomitting when using Graviola?  Thanks very much.Deb - Madison, WI http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,20563,0.htm Doxy Deb Fri, 01 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT We have the most beautiful West Highland White Terrier called Betty. She is 11 years old. This week we have been advised that she has a massive tumour in her bladder. To say the least we are totally devastated. The consulatant has said that he has not seen a tumour of this size in the bladder before. Aside from the problems urinating and the regularity of urinating you would not know that there is a problem. She is as playful as ever. We have been advised that it might be as little as a week or up to a couple of months if treatment is successful. I cannot believe this seeing the energy that she has at the moment!Today I have started a treatment of metacam. The consultant believes that this will not as severe on her stomach as piroxicam but thinks it is unproven.We have just cancelled our holiday to Florida on Saturday to have some quality time with our little angel.If anyone can offer any advice or help it would be greatly appreciated.Best of luck to all - Betty's Dad   http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,20053,0.htm Bettysdad Thu, 24 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT Hi, My 16 yr. old male mini dachshund was diagnosed with TCC on 12/26/07.  (I wrote in once before to say how great this website is!).  Given that Jesse has a touchy tummy, he is on Metacam vs Piroxicam.  Even so, I thought the Pepcid AC sounded like a good idea too, so we tried that and he vomited about every other day.  So we tried him without the Pepcid, just giving him the Metacam and he has not vomited even once since.  Go figure???!!!  Also I wanted to ask about medications tried for the urinary infections.  He has had 2 now since the 12/26 diagnosis.  He's been on Clavamox so far, but now today I noticed a bit of blood in his urine.  What other meds have you used besides Clavamox and did they work better?  Has anyone had any luck with plain yogurt??  I was thinking of trying that too.And, 1 last thing, given that Jesse is 16 and a bit absent minded these days as well as being partially blind and deaf and now has the TCC, we got a pack of Pampers and put one on him when he's walking around between feedings and naps!  We wrap it around him and punch a hole in each side and tie it on with a shoe string.  Works slick and is easy to take on and off and it works and he doesn't seem to mind one bit.  :-)Love to all of you out there in this similar situation.  Doxy Deb - Madison, WI  http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,19986,0.htm Doxy Deb Tue, 22 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT My friend has late stage Squamous Cell Carcinoma - Bladder cancer.  Has gone through 3 rounds of chemotherapy and is looking for alternative treatment.  Are there any recommendations?  Or does anyone have some direction on where he should go next?? http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,19559,0.htm Petunia3 Thu, 10 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT I recently had a radical cystectomy for bladder cancer, and I am now cancer-free. But recovery has been slow, especially with regard to my small intestine (of which 24 inches were used to create my neo-bladder). After two months I am still having a lot of trouble with digestion and have an inordinate amount of gas and bloating which often results in several agonising trips to the toilet within a couple hours, including painful diarrhea.My doctor has prescribed Questran (possibly called something different over there), but it's hard to find and I'm still waiting for the pharmacy to get a supply in.Anybody have any answers? I try to keep a relatively acid-free diet (no citrus juices, coffee or artificial drinks) and eat healthy. Any additional info would be great.I would also just like to add that, while I sympathize with those people whose pets have cancer, it's a shame that so much of this website's content is taken up by those people. You can always get another pet. Replacing a spouse or family member is impossible. I've had an extremely hard time finding information here about my problem and would appreciate some valid help for human beings. http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,19365,0.htm copenhagen44 Fri, 04 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT Hi Everyone;I posted recently a couple notes regarding Spike, our almost 13 yr old Westie, who was recently diagnosed with a 2.5 cm mass in his bladder-positive biopsy for TCC. He's been on peroxicam for 2 weeks along with meds for his stomach and glucosomine. For the third time since we started the meds, Spike threw up, had diarrhea followed by incontinence in the house. I want to change his kibble (he's been on Eukeneuba Skin Response since he's a puppy). Has anyone experienced this problem?Spike has a soft scrambled egg in the a.m.  and a slice of veggie cheese prior to his meds . This seems to help, but I think his kibble is too harsh now on his tummy. Any recommendations are very welcome. thank you. http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,19352,0.htm westielove Thu, 03 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT i need some help to deal with my husband who has terminal cancer. i try to keep things as normal as possible but he rages at times and he will not try to see what we are dealing with. he only sees it from his point of view. the kids and i have so many worries about our future that itis hard at times to deal with. he will not acknowledge that we are having a hard time with this also! what can i do to keep my sanity and try to hold my kids and house together? any coping tips wil be great! i am at my wits end. he does not see a problem on his end only me and the kids. the kids are 20 and 16. thanks! laura  http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,19240,0.htm LAURAANDMIKE Sun, 30 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMT Hi,  Husband had surgery in 2005 with stage 4 bladdercancer and bubbled in the wall of the bladder.  He should have been checked sooner but we did fine on what we had done.    He had the bladder removed and an external bag.  The man in the other hospital had an internal bladder -not from as good a doctor. or something and he passed away.    The bag is nothing.  The smell is minor most of the time.  We have to watch his ph balance to keep it from being strong.  We use a cinnamon bathroom spray and heavy bags to dispose of the used things.     He is drinkging a goji juice to help with the ph and following his doctors orders.  I am so thankful to still have him.  You can read about this at www.pubmed.org  and then type in lycium barbarum.    posting this to give you hope and encourage you to fight this.  We went to a very good specialsit and had very good surgery.  The biggest problem is the insurance is still billing us for large amounts of stuff.  So when you are going through this.  keep track of phone calls -make the insurance companies send letters of confirmation at the time, record calls and make sure to keepextensive records of anyone you talk to : time, date, reason etc.  These insurance companies giv eyou 60 days to respond and you sre still in limbo with a sick person in the family.  Bless you all as you go through this.Rose http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,19234,0.htm Rose 123 Sun, 30 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMT