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Sun, 17 Dec 2006 21:49:33 +0100

Thanks Jim for posting the details. When my husband (47 yrs. old at the time) had his bladder and prostate removed 4 years ago, we didn't have an option. The bladder had to be removed. I can't tell you the whirlwind we found ourselves in. My husband Bob had 2 types of the pesty critters. He had CIS and TCC (transitional cell carcinoma). We have managed to keep them at bay for 4 years now. I can't say it has been smooth sailing because that just wouldn't be truthful. I can say however, we see life in a different way now. He has his checkups and scans etc. but the threat for us is always lurking around.
He stays pretty positive and we do basicly everything we want within reason. (No skydiving etc. hahaha!) But, life is good and our faith has seen us through all of it. I know whatever your outcome you will do just fine. You are a winner!!! I mean that... You don't know how strong you are until life tries to beat you up.

Please, continue to keep your friends informed about yourself as well as your wife.

Take care and may God bless.

- Wife of bladder CA

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Tue, 12 Dec 2006 14:00:25 +0100

Jim, did I ever send you the actual papers associated with the EORTC risk tables? The doctor's that reviewed and commented on those studies actually felt the statistics reflected a more grim than actual prognosis, mainly due to a percentage of the patients in the study not recieving treatment past a TURB. I.e. the data is lagging current treatment by 5-15 years. Let me know I'll send them to you.

I agree with your doctor's opinion of continuing BCG treatment if those pesky Ta's aren't invading! I wouldn't even think of touching that bladder with TaG3's unless they start invading or associated CIS shows up. Just my uneducated opinion though.

Hope you and the wife have a good holiday season. - Christopher

TaG3 - 6 of one, how much of the other?

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