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where are you going in Chicago? The reason i ask is there is a very highly specialized bladder cancer uro at U of Chicago, Dr. Gary Steinberg. If you're seeing him great. If not you might consider a second opinion at least pathologically from him.
pat

Hello Patricia,

Yes, I am under the care of Dr. Steinberg. As you know, he is highly recommended.

Thanks for the post.

Tony

Great..your in good hands.
pat

Hi Pat,

So I've been told. I'm counting on it

Tony

Hi Tony,

My mom's story is very similar. Not sure if you followed my thread, but when my mom switched from her urologist to a URO-oncology specialist at USC only a month after her TURB, the regrowth of her T1 High Grade Tumor was dramatic. They scheduled surgery for one week later. I'm certain that the inital biopsy was inaccurate, but by the time they removed my mom's bladder, the tumor had grown to 6X6 cm and was invading the fat tissue on the outside of the bladder. I am so very grateful we opted for surgery.

My mom is doing great after only three weeks from surgery date. Her tubes were removed yesterday and her neobladder seems to be working great! She is sounding very optimistic for the first time in so long. She is also pain free for the first time since August!!!

Best of luck to you.

Edith

Tony-- I'm on a thread with Renee and Pat.

Edith..Tony is with a top uro/oncologist in the bladder cancer world and he's doing exactly what needs to be done. He's very fortunate in that he sought out the best either by design or luck. When you first get this diagnosis it really throws you for a loop..#1 who's ever heard of bladder cancer? And finding the right specialist is difficult at best when the brain cells are not connecting. Understaging happens in 40 to 75% of the cases or clear margins were not taken.
pat

Hello Edith,

Thanks for sharing and I'll read along on your blog.

While I do not recall Dr. Steinberg mentioning that a regrowth could be larger, I suppose that it is within the realm of possibilities.

Dr. Steinberg seemed confident when presenting his plan for treatment which considers bladder removal. As Pat mentioned, he is one of the best so I have to trust is recommendations.

How old is your mother? I'll check your thread in case you have it posted.

Thanks for posting.

Tony

Hi Tony,

My mom is 60.

I think, as Pat mentioned, such a large percentage of bladder biopsies are incorrect because it is so difficult to get enough muscle tissue to be able to see whether muscle invasion has occurred (if I understand it correctly). Anyway, I don't believe my mom's original T1 High Grade diagnosis was accurate. I think it was more invasive to start with.

Best of luck and keep us posted.

Edith

Hi Edith,

Will have a better idea on December 16, 2010 when scheduled for my next TURBT.

Thanks for the post.

Tony

Hi Tony I have been on this site for 20 years as my first BC came in 1991 then 1993 then clear until 2008 so I hope this will show you that you have hope for a long life & the fear will last only a while. Then you will have the track record to give you faith in healing with some going back normal! God Bless Doug

Hello Doug,

Thanks for your history and insight. While I have my moments, I'm trying to keep a positive attitude. Can't see worrying about something that may or not be in the future especially if I have little control over. So, staying in the moment and working it one day at a time.

Tony