Radical Cystectomy

Hi and welcome to the group. Usually T1/G3 is treated with BCG or some people prefer to go to straight for removal, but I  believe Sarcomatoid Carcinoma is quite rare. A follow up TURBT is standard in most case to mop up anything they may have missed and give them a clearer picture of what they are dealing with. I went a different route in radiotherapy, but I don't think it is suitable in your case. We have members in this group who have had either BCG or RC and I am sure they will be along presently to share their experiences. the more information you can get will help with your preferred choice. On a positive note, we have had members here in the past who have been treated successfully with this particular form of bc. Best wishes.

Thanks again Rily, i was discussing with my wife and said that i suspect they must have to look again and check before any treatment, you have confirned what i suspected.

I am already convinced that joining this group will be beneficial to me going forward, especially when those like you offer so much good advice

Hi Springwood.  Don't worry if you do not get many replies tonight, it is a bit late now so many will be out enjoying themselves. Some of the group members do enjoy a drink or two. Only saying this to let you know there is life after bc whatever the treatment. If you browse through some of the recent posts, you will see we have had some recent good news. Best wishes.

Hi Springwood,It's tough for you having to make a choice but hopefully you will get advice and support here.My cancer was also a rarer type,squamous cell and aggressive T2 G3.I was told my only option was a radical cystectomy.I opted to have a stoma and have had no problems adjusting to life with a bag instead of a bladder.Despite it being major surgery and not without its complications I do not regret having the operation.It has hopefully saved my life and I am very grateful.It's nearly 3 months since the surgery and I'm doing well.I still have a couple of issues with anaemia and constipation but they are getting sorted out.I found it helpful to look at videos on you tube regarding choices between stoma/neo bladder etc and I also watched a video of the operation.I posted queries here and received so much help.I wish you well with whatever you decide.Best wishes.Jane

Hi Jane

Thankyou so much for letting me know of your experience, i do admire how you have handled this.  I meet with a surgeon on Monday and all may become clearer for me then.  I know that i must ultimately do what is best for not only me but my family, i have 3 children and 6 grandchildren.  i sometimes feel a bit of guilt that i am even considering trying to hang on to my bladder when what i have read to date indicates risks with doing so.  As a 57 year old male i am struggling a little with rhe thought of this, however it is still quite raw and i have only been presented with this in the last few days.

Again thanks for your support and i wish you well for the future.

Regards

Derek 

Hi Derek
So sorry to hear you are going through this.
I too am facing a radical cystectomy with T2G3 aggressive cancer.
It's daunting and frightening, but seems there is chance of surviving with quality of life.
I have a friend who had all her colon removed and while the stoma was a trial for the first 6 to 9 months, she leads a normal life now. Though she really went through it at times.
I hold her as an inspiration.
Hope you find a way that's good for you and your journey is as trouble free as possible.
Sara ♥

Hi Sara

Sorry to hear you face similar circumstances to me.  It does give you a different perspective when you know you are not alone although we would rather none of us have to go through this.  I too hope that all works out well for you going forward

Thanks again

Derek

Yes, not being on your own with it is so important x

I was 56 when I was diagnosed (pTaG3) & given the option of BCG or RC, I chose RC for many reasons, but including best chance of cure. It was tough, took best part of a year to fully recover, but now 8 years on, I've never regretted my choice. I was able to have neobladder, but that entails more effort post op, so some opt for the simple stoma.

Feel free to ask any questions about it.

Hi Teasswill

Thanks for replying to my post.  Great to hear you are well and still offering support 8 years on from surgery.

What exactly is neo bladder? is it partial removal??  I have not come across that one in my many visits to Google and yes i am one of those who tends to google a lot, it has helped me understand when having consultations rather than thinking what are they talking about but do also agree with others on here who advise that it can also cause some anxiety.  The upside  is that if i ever get the chance to appear on Mastermind then i may choose BC as my specialist subject