My Dad is suffering from Bladder Cancer

arunkumar
arunkumar Member Posts: 1
edited March 2014 in Bladder Cancer #1
Last september my father complained of blood in urine , & he said he didn't have any pain discharging urine. The local physician asked us to consult a Urologist after finding out a tumour of size 9*7*4 centimeters in his blader after an ultrasound scan was done. The urologist did a cystoscopy operation , took a samll part of the tissue & subjected it to biopsy.The results said it was a superficial Tumour. The doctor went about 2 sittings of TURP procedure to remove the visible part of the tissue completely & then Intravesical BCG was given to his blader on one day a week basis , for 8 weeks .One of the investigations on the tumour revealed that , it was a grade 2 cancer & there was no invasion.
During Feb this year we did a cystoscopy procedure , there was a very very small amount of growth in his bladder & the investigations suggestd that there was a muscular invasion. We will have to arrange for another procedure of cystoscopy & do a CT scan to see the spread , this month. Can any one tell me as to what is the best course of action that can be taken to cure the cancer & save this man in the earth who means a lot to me .

Comments

  • santiago
    santiago Member Posts: 4
    #2
    I went through the pretty much the same process that your Father is going through, that was eight and a half years ago. After almost six months of testing and BCG treatments I opt for Surgery. My bladder was entirely removed and a Neo Bladder was put in its place. I also went through Chemo. I understand that with todays methods, surgery is not necessary. I would spend as much time as needed researching the options available today. There is a lot of information available on the internet. Yes, I did a lot of research work eight and a half years ago and I do believe it paid off.
  • Military
    Military Member Posts: 31
    #3
    I went throgh the same process as your father. Blood in the urine followed by a determination that I had a tumor. I believe they catagorized it as a grade 4 and aggressive. This was determined after I has the first tumor removed only to have two more appear within a month. I underwent surgery 12 months ago under a Dr. Donald Skinner who is the Head of Urology at USC Norris cancer center. The phone number if 323-865-3000. This doctor is considered one of the best in the world as it relates to this procedure. I had a neo bladder and did not have to undergo radiation or chemo. Most men have a habit of procrastinating. Don't let your father fall prey to this male ego issue. As others have mentioned, he can live for many years but he must be proactive. Talk to everyone you can get a hold of. There are many new and innovative approaches to this form of cancer. Seek out the best and expect the best.
  • sheridan
    sheridan Member Posts: 14
    #4
    Before considering bladder removal, he should give a great deal of thought to his quality of life with that surgery. Fortunately, I didn't have to have that done but from what I have read on the internet many if not most people who have that surgery regret it.
  • Military
    Military Member Posts: 31
    #5
    The gentleman is correct in that having your bladder removed is not the only option. However, depending where the tumor is located, how aggressive and if the cancer has migrated to the lymph nodes), can be determining factors. I have a neo pouch which is working well. I can golf, swim, scuba dive, ride my Harley etc. Its hard to regret the decision for the bladder verses a potential for a short life span. It was a simple decision. The beauty of this procedure is that you function the same as before the surgery. Some doctors will want to remove the prostrate. If not required, I would consider keeping the prostrate provided it is healthy. It takes about 6 months to a year before you are comfortable in controlling your urine. I believe this transition is shorter if you retain the prostrate.
  • sheridan
    sheridan Member Posts: 14
    #6
    Military said:

    The gentleman is correct in that having your bladder removed is not the only option. However, depending where the tumor is located, how aggressive and if the cancer has migrated to the lymph nodes), can be determining factors. I have a neo pouch which is working well. I can golf, swim, scuba dive, ride my Harley etc. Its hard to regret the decision for the bladder verses a potential for a short life span. It was a simple decision. The beauty of this procedure is that you function the same as before the surgery. Some doctors will want to remove the prostrate. If not required, I would consider keeping the prostrate provided it is healthy. It takes about 6 months to a year before you are comfortable in controlling your urine. I believe this transition is shorter if you retain the prostrate.

    What I was told was that after the surgery there would be no feeling at all in the penis, that I would be a neuter gender. I am not sure if that means no beard or a change in voice. I was also told by people who went through the removal that they still had no control of their "bladder" two years later. Since he had no feeling in his penis and his prostate was removed he could put a catheter in at night if he didn't want a wet bed and he didn't even feel it going in.
  • Military
    Military Member Posts: 31
    #7
    sheridan said:

    What I was told was that after the surgery there would be no feeling at all in the penis, that I would be a neuter gender. I am not sure if that means no beard or a change in voice. I was also told by people who went through the removal that they still had no control of their "bladder" two years later. Since he had no feeling in his penis and his prostate was removed he could put a catheter in at night if he didn't want a wet bed and he didn't even feel it going in.

    What you have heard about no feeling in the penis is incorrect. You will have the same feeling as before including that of a climax. In order for you to have a normal sex life, you will need to have a penile pump installed. This can be done at the time you have the bladder surgery itself. My doctor had a good sense of humor. I asked him the same question as what you have presented. His only comment was that my wife would probably be the first to complain since you will last forever. You will find that many of the hospitals that specialize in this form of surgery also have a support group. They usually meet every few months and it is a great place to visit and present your concerns.
  • Jrchely1
    Jrchely1 Member Posts: 1
    edited October 2016 #8
    Bladder cancer options

    The comments that I have read in this post goes quite a few years back but i'm in that cross road right now (10/30/2016). I'm getting ready to start chemo and then having the Neo bladder surgery done. Can anyone out there share your experience with the Neo bladder procedure?

    Your comments are greatly appreciated.

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