Recurrence - bladder removal

2 replies
64 subscribers
531 views

3 small new polyps removed today, they first appeared 3 months after my 6 week BCG induction and second 'clean-up' operation in June.

The doctor says if new polyps occur then bladder removal is certain. She says the initial BCG treatment should have worked, recurrence so soon after receiving it means it didn't work. She has not yet told me if she intends to continue treatment.

My very specific question is, is the doctor arriving at removal a little too early?

I have read many cases of people with invasion and higher stages who have battled on to health with their bladders.

To be discussed with the doctor after polyp results are in of course but I wanted forum member input.

My background is; pT1b, grade 3 papillary urothelial carcinoma, deep chorion infiltration.

The initial polyp was removed in May 2022, followed by a second clean-up operation in June, followed by 6-week BCG induction in July/August.

A cystoscopy in October showed something going on, so the next round of BCG treatment was delayed.

rily over 1 year ago

Hi Franck. Although not had BCG myself, we have many members who try again when BCG has not worked and some persist with it. In other cases, some try Mitomycin treatment which can work when BCG has failed. MMC is a chemo treatment rather than immunotherapy, administered in the same way as BCG. I am sure people will be along with personal experiences. Best wishes.

Best wishes to All, rily.

What is a Community Champion ?

Teasswill over 1 year ago

I understand that you are anxious to avoid bladder removal, but to be blunt, you are gambling with your life to refuse, if that is what the consultant advises. T1b is very close to muscle invasive, which is when BC really becomes dangerous as it can quickly go on to be invasive and incurable. Yes, you will see people advocating persisting with BCG, or mitomycin and are still here. You will also read stories of those who went on to bladder removal and are leading healthy lives. You will not read stories of those who drew the short straw and succumbed to BC.

Ask lots of questions, weigh up your personal priorities and consider carefully before making a decision. Best wishes.

More from this forum

Recurrence - bladder removal