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

Posted by: jhs in Ta - Noninvasive papillary carcinomaT1 - Tumor invades subepithelial connective tissueMitomycinmens issuesbladder cancerBCG on Print PDF

Thank you all for your expressions of concern and encouragement.

I had my TURBT on Thursday. Will know the results at the follow-up consult when we get the pathology report. My doc also administered Mitomycin during the procedure.

Earlier in the week, during the pre-op consult, we discussed the implications of this recurrence. He said that if it turned out to be T1 (he is in the camp that considers T1 to be invasive) we'd have to begin consideration of bladder removal. If it remains Ta, then we can look at BCG maintenance therapy, given the particulars of my history with this disease.

I showed him the EORTC Bladder Risk Tables for Ta and T1 Bladder Cancer that Chris found. He was very interested, and asked me to send him the link, but he also said that the program seems to be returning more optimistic percentages than his experience has shown.

I also showed him the article on the clinical trials of Urocidin that Wendy has mentioned. He was very interested in that, as well, and now has a copy of it. He knows one of the lead investigators, Dr. Harry Herr, with whom he discussed collaboration on a bladder cancer study while he (my doc) was at Bethesda. He said Dr. Herr is world-renowned for his work in bladder cancer. He said if one of the sites used in the 2007 round of clinical trials is in our area, he will look into getting me into it.

That conversation (about the Urocidin) took place just prior to my TURBT, and just after it he was very positive about the results, although he is careful to indicate that pathology reports can often contradict the visiual inspection, and even the TURBT, in either direction. Hopefully, however, his experience will prove out and I will be able to stay here with BCG maintenance (which I've shown an ability to tolerate without difficulty) or, if the pathology permits, with only a regime of periodic check-up cytoscopies.

Will keep you all posted. Thanks again for the concern and support. I hope you all know you all have my (and my wife's) best wishes as well, and that you are in our thoughts.
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Christopher
December 12, 2006

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.

Wife of bladder CA
December 17, 2006

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.


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