Invasive TCC, T3bN+, RC 10/02/01
My cancer was discovered during a scheduled out-patient procedure on 8/17/01 to install a stent because of a kidney blockage. (I had experienced a few UTI’s during the 2 yrs. prior to the procedure.) The pathology was G3T1, but urolgoist said the pathology might not be accurate and that he recommended a radical cystectomy and provided a list of surgeons capable of performing this procedure. After two separate opinions, I opted for my surgery to be performed at the University Medical Center in Tucson and I now have a continent urinary reservoir (neobladder). The pathology from surgery was actually T3+, as I had 1 lymph node involved out of 24 removed. Approx. 6 weeks after surgery, I started a 4-mo. MVAC regime and tolerated it fairly well. A large blood clot developed toward the end of the chemotherapy and was treated with Coumidin for a few months and went away. In Aug. 02 a CT scan revealed a couple of spots on my lung that had not been there in the March scans and I was referred to a pulmonary specialist. Since the spots were small, I had a PET scan which came back negative. I just had my one year follow-up with my surgeon and I am currently continuing on a 4-mo. CT scan, bloodwork, and oncologist visits until my 2-year anniversary.
P. S. I am also an ex-smoker in good health (haven’t smoked in over 20 years).
Update: May 2004 – Moved to Tampa, FL the summer of 2003 and have been on a 3 mos. CT scan schedule @ Moffitt Cancer Center. Just had my 2-1/2 yr. check-up and all reports are still good.