Cheese Update

Well, I have a better understanding of what may be going on with my ureter problem but there may not be a solution other than perpetual stents. The Hopkins doc explained that although the blockage may be caused by scar tissue caused by either surgery or radiation, there also may be cancer there because of the proximity of my reoccurence in the peritoneal area. The only way to know that would be to biopsy the area which comes with its own risks. If cancer is in the area, surgery is not possible. If cancer is not in the area, surgery is possible but not without risk. Although my cancer seems to be in remission, I’m sure there’s a few little seeds in the area.  The ureter is very delicate and there’s all kind of bad things that can happen with surgery. Although surgery can most likely be done laproscopiically, there’s a chance it could lead to open surgery which is a nasty lateral incision. He didn’t have a lot of solutions for stent pain. He says it’s a very frustrating area. They can try different stents but there’s no good solution. He said I probably have more bleeding because of the Eliquis. I asked about how harmful the perpetual inflammation of the bladder is and he admitted it’s not good and over time could cause bladder cancer. So that is my situation. He doesn’t really do this types of surgery. There is a group affiliated with NYU that appears to deal with this issue. I may contact them for an opinion. Conveniently my son is moving to NYC in the next month so I could stay with him. But I’m not sure that’s the way to go. I have an appointment with my regular urologist on June 18.  I’m glad I went to Hopkins. The doc was very nice and gave a good explanation which unfortunately I had yet to get from my regular urologist. 

Thanks for all your concern and support. 

Still having stent pain. I found that an ice pack to the crotch gives a little relief. So I’m seeking out those ice packs new mom’s use. I also discovered that the urology group at Hackensack University Medical Center does surgery for this problem and fortunately the wife of the CEO is an old friend of mine so she smoothed the way for me getting an appointment. They actually were willing to see me that afternoon!  It pays to have friends in high places! But I opted to see the head of the department in July after my next CT scan. My appointment with my urologist at Fox Cjade was disappointing. She had no solutions. Actually told me she had patients that have had stents for 10 years. Despite the fact that the stats for me having 10 more years are dismal, I certainly don’t want to live them with this damn stent. 

On another note, I found out that my oncologist is going to Penn and I’m considering transferring my care there. 

Thanks for your continuing concern my fellow warriors.