Prostate cancer with bladder cancer?

Hi Catfan, just jumped on after a day away from pc. Sorry don't have any answers but just want to say please try to hang in there until you hear more both from medics and from forum bods who do have answers from their knowledge and experience. If your partner or you feel bad don't forget Samaritans are there to listen 24/7 and MacMilllan from 8-8. I would suggest you try to inform the PALS for your hospital how awful the total lack of 'bedside manner' and caring has been, they may be able to let the medics know how to deal better with you both on your onwards treatment options.

Thinking of you, 

Denby

Hi Catfan,
I know this is a worrying time for you both, and I’m afraid I can’t answer your direct concerns as my diagnosis and treatment last year were different to your partners.
I just wanted to say it is probably best to continue with your partners current treatment plan until a new one is in place.

My bladder cancer was muscle invading and I did have a radical Cystectomy which as you say involved removal of the prostate.
That is a major step though and one which isn’t necessarily going to be the best way forward for your partner. Only the consultant and team will advise on that. 

But. If that were to come about, my experience says it is not as bad as you imagine.
Obviously we are all different, but for me, at 55, I am 99% as before the Cystectomy. The 1% being night time waking.

And hopefully that option is not needed anyway. Easy to say, but try not to worry.
Things will be much clearer for you both once you get confirmation of any test results and a plan put in place.

cheers
Chasam

Hi Catfan, well there is prostate cancer that will die from if left untreated and then there is prostate cancer that you will die with. I was diagnosed with a very rare bladder cancer which was luckily discovered at stage 1, I could have proceeded with Bcg but due to the very aggressive nature of the variant the strong recommendations were to go for removal which also involves removal of the prostate. The pathology following the RC discovered T2 prostate cancer which had not shown up on eithe the ultrasound or the CT scan. The nature of the prostate cancer was the most benign type ( even though it had progressed to stage 2 ) . Anyway I had the op with neobladder and am very happy with the results . I’ve been clear for four years and so glad to have gone the route I did. Idon’t Worry about either of those cancers any more and life is very good. It is not uncommon  to discover unrelated cancers in both the prostate and the bladder upon removal, it is of course a much better prognosis if they are not relatives. You don’t mention the age of your partner as prostate removal most often changes or ends , but at 65 when I had my op it was a no brainer for my wife and I considering the alternative. DO NOT lose heart. This is the worst time in the journey and if you make the right moves you can come out of this with “bells on “ and have many many happy years ahead of you. Never give up on this , fight it hard and you will win. Orillia.

Sorry, an addition due to typo.... “ prostate removal most often changes or ends “ your sex life as you knew it.....

Thanks Denby. I think I may contact the nurse practitioner today to say that I am not happy with how things are being handled. We had a difficult night as my partner is both angry with how he is being given information and depressed and not wanting any more treatment. 

Hi Chasam. 

Thanks very much for taking the time to reply. My partner is also 55. He is not really willing to consider cystectomy (this was offered before he started BCG). He is already depressed and feels that he would not have the quality of life he would like post surgery. I guess without knowing if this probable prostate cancer is separate or linked to the bladder I don't know if that would even be an option. If it was, I would like to think the hospital could help him make a decision - ideally letting him meet someone who has had the surgery. It's good to hear that you are doing so well.

Hi Orillia, 

Thanks for your reply. It's good to hear that you are happy with the neobladder. My partner struggles with depression already and I don't think he has the appetite for major surgery and has indicated that he won't go much further with treatment full stop as he feels he has no quality of life with the constant letters, scans, phone calls, cystoscopies and uncertainty. I guess everyone is different and I am trying to respect that whilst also hoping I can get the hospital to offer more support and sensitivity to him.