Papillary transitional cell carcinoma, grade 2-3 o

Papillary transitional cell carcinoma, grade
2-3 of 4. Diagnosed at age 71

The cysto and biopsy of October 1995 was followed by two additional cystos and biopsies at three month intervals. These biopsies were suggestive of papillary transitional cell carcinoma grade 2/4 and focal moderate-severe dysplasia. My urologist suggested six weekly installations of Thiotepa beginning in June 1996. This was followed by eight monthly installations of Thiotepa from August 1996 to June 1997. During these monthly treatments cystos and biopsies were performed at six month intervals. These biopsies
indicated chronic cystitis and urothelial mild dysplasia.

Two years had past and I was not communicating well with my urologist. In addition his cystos were done as an out patient requiring anesthesia. He felt it was easier on the patient and if a biopsy was required he could take one. I knew that other urologist were performing cystos in their offices. I also wondered if I was receiving the best treatment since I was suffering from cystitis. Thus I wanted a second opinion and found another urologist.

From October 1997 till June 1999 cystos performed in the office showed the bladder to be red and inflamed. Since my prostate was enlarged and I was urinating frequently and at times it was difficult to start, a transurethral resection of the prostate and bladder (TURP & TURB) were performed in June l999. Subsequent biopsies indicated TCC in the bladder and the prostate
urethra. Thus the beast had returned and spread to the prostate urethra. My urologist suggested radical surgery (removal of the prostate and bladder). On
second thought, he thought this might be over kill so we started six weekly nstallations of BCG. A TURP & TURB were repeated in October and biopsies indicated that the bladder was clean but there was a small foci of TCC in the prostrate urethra. My urologist suggested additional BCG treatments but I had to stop them after the second installation due to severe irritation, even at a dilute dosage.

During all this I was urinating on the average of 24 times a day and 5-6 times at night. At times I was afraid that I could not urinate. These urination’s were accompanied by a burning feeling. In addition if I was over active (played 18 holes of golf, walked a mile or worked in the yard) I experience irritation at the base of my penis. Thus the quality of life was
not very good. I decided to have my bladder and prostate removed. This was done March 7, 2000. I have an ileal conduit (bag) and so far (April 3, 2000)
so good. No pain, no frequent urination’s and no irritation. I am looking forward to a more normal life style as soon as I recover from the surgery. I think my bladder had just had it after all these years of treatments and biopsies. In addition, it had spread to the prostate as indicated in the surgical biopsies.

The decision to have the surgery was not an easy one but it was a sure way of getting rid of the cancer. Of course follow ups will be required to make sure the beast has not spread.

If I can be of any help to anyone do not hesitate to email.

AWilson495 Author