Newly diagnosed with bladder cancer

I spent a lot of time on this forum 10 years ago and found it very helpful. I had my prostate removed in 2009. In 2010, after a rapid increase in my PSA, had RT and HT. PCa seemed to be cured and I couldn't be happier. However, now the second shoe has been dropped. After several episodes of blood in urine rectal bleeding this year, I had a csytoscopey yesterday. Two areas of cancer were identified my bladder. I am scheduled for surgery in 3 weeks. I was told by Urologist that the cancerous areas would be "scraped out" and that based upon the biopsy additional treatment, "targeted chemo", may be needed. It seems to me, based upon what I have read since, that he may be downplaying the potential future treatment requirements that may be necessary. I have an appointment with the medical oncologist at Yale that I have been seeing for prostate cancer follow-up just before my surgery. I plan to run this by him and have Yale give a second opinion on the biopsy and any follow-up treatment that is suggested by my local Urologist.

This is all new ground for me. I would appreciate any advice or recommendations from those of you that have gone down, or going down, this road. Thanks, BB

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Is the urologist some one you have great familiarity with? Do you smoke? What is your age? This diagnosis would scare anyone... Most doctors will play up medical issues...you may be so freaked that you are seeing evrything in a negative light(oxymoron)...try to relax a bit...Remember there are no doctors on this forum that I am aware of so
caveat emptor...if you think your doctor is downplaying,,,have courage...i.e. tell your dotcors your fears,,,you have no pr oblem telling a bunch of folks on an internet site...do the same with your doctors...so in a nut shell...my advice is relax take it one day at a time,and give your medcos the same respect you give an internet forum...this is not a scold...simply advice...ps I am not sure if rectal bleeding is a symptom of bladder cancer tho it should be checked oiut...the fact that you mention it does imo point to your fear,,,which couold be affecting your ragular judgement...good luck,,, logo

BB, Sorry to read this. I remember you from when I first joined this forum. My treatment history back in 2009-12, similar to yours. Wishing you well.

Thanks for the comments and good wishes. Really bummed out that I have to deal with another bout of cancer, but I was very lucky to beat Pca and have 10 years cancer free. Hopefully, this will be just a bump in the road. Unfortunately I have always been a glass half-full guy.

I understand that this was just a GFMPH week end. In Rochester again, hosted by Worried Guy? I'm sure a good time was had by all. Also, very sad to hear about 142's passing.

BB, GFMPH weekend, sadly, was cancelled this year, due to COVID concerns

High incidence of bladder cancer following PCa. Main reason is our maleness. Bladder cancer has much higher incidence in men than women. I have known three men that had bladder cancer 5-10 years following PCa. All were RP surgical guys that never had radiation.

As Logo stayed smoking is often the culprit. As to radiation induced bladder cance it would take more time to develop. Bladder cancer, like many cancers, take 15-20 years to develop to the point of being symptomatic. BB, most likely you already had bladder cancer when you were treated for PCa.

A good friend had bladder cancer a few years after PCa treatment and was able to use immunotherapy to control it. Never had any problems and virtually no treatment side effects.

My favorite words from your post were that you were seeking out a second opinion ...

Very valuable step ! Get that additional expertise and insight and "second set of eyes" ...

Keep us posted, and let us know how you're faring ...
CYCLONE ~~~ # Iowa State University

At one time the single most common factor in bladder cancer was professional: Men who worked with aromatic hydrocarbons (benzene, toluene, phenol, etc) on a regular basis had a very high correlation. In the old days this meant working in automobile paint operations, machinery painting operations, and organic chemists. The fact that many of them also smoked lovely things like camel straights probably gave the double-whammy.

Regardless, BC is very treatable, up to an including creation of a neobladder--which sounds crazy, but it works.

Hi all, had two cancerous tumors removed from bladder last week with a non-invasive TURBT procedure. I should get biopsy results within the next day or two. It's unfortunate that Healingwell does not have a forum for bladder cancer. Does anyone know of a web site that has an active forum? I did a google search, and have identified a few, but would appreciate a recommendation if anyone has one. Thanks

If the bladder cancer has not invaded the bladder muscle, the chances are good that you will not have major problems (Stage 0 or 1). The tumors can come back but often never penetrate the muscle. Treatment with mitomycin or BCG usually decreases the risk of it coming back.
My daughter-in-law was diagnosed with it at 36 years of age! She has had 4 TURBTs, treated with mitomycin twice and BCG once at has been clear for over a year. Since her cancer is low-grade (see below) and non-invasive, she may never be in danger. Occasionally the low grade tumor morph to a high grade.
If the cancer has penetrated the bladder muscle (Stages 2-4), it is more problematic and usually requires removing the bladder or radiation + chemo or both. Many survive this and die of something else (Stage 2 or 3). Stage 4 bladder cancer has metastasize and carries a poorer prognosis.
As I have already mentioned, decisions on how to treat are also based on whether the cancer is low or high grade (slow vs rapid growing). The best is to get a low grade non-invasive cancer that is located in the inner lining of the bladder and no further.

Praying for a good report!

Paul

Thanks Paul

BB_Fan ~~~

You have taken steps forward, and pursued a proactive treatment. Let us know how you are doing, during your recovery.

It would be great if Healing Well had a bladder cancer forum, since it is a common cancer. Many people have been helped here, on this prostate cancer forum.

Here's to recovery and healing for you ---- let us know how you're faring, in the days ahead.

Sending you my best, with my hopes for your recovery ----
CYCLONE ~~~ # Iowa State University

BB_Fan, that is great news. Obviously, you'll need to keep an eye on it....in case it reappears, but that's as good a report as you can have. Rest easy.