Diagnosis Letter

Hi Inanna,  it is a nasty shock when you first see the diagnosis in print though you've already been told the information by the consultant. I thought it sounded worse in writing.  My diagnosis was also G2 high grade PT1. But no lymphovascular invasion or muscle invasion. My MDT offered two options bladder removal or BCG, and seemed not to encourage one over the other. TBH I've never really understood the statistics but I always knew the odds of cancer returning were high-ish. I just couldn't face major surgery at my age, living alone 200 miles away from my family, in a rural small holding. I love my life here but it's definitely not a convalescence experience! 20 years younger I might have made a different choice I reckon. Which treatment is best depends on many factors. Your high level of fitness will be a major plus whatever you choose. Do you have your house-keeping, room service support plan in place and a date?Sending you love, we'll be with you H xxx

Those sound very like the statistics my consultant gave me - but he hastened to add, that included all Px having RC, of all ages & fitness levels. I think in this respect morbidity means complications - but I'm not sure how many different possibilities are included in that. Some will be temporary set-backs, others longer term issues, or occur at a later date. 

It's all part of the consent process that they have to tell you the worst case scenarios, which makes it sound scary.  Didn't put me off, I was so determined on having surgery! Hopefully you will have a good post op path report & have confidence for a clear future.

Hi H

Thank you so much H for your lovely words

I am going on Monday to meet the gang and I think the op date will be soon after.  My Consultant has put me as a priority because of the length of time I had to wait between the TURBT and seeing him. I understand your reasons for not having surgery totally.

I do hope that having surgery will keep the wretched tumours away but that is a chance we all take with whatever treatment we have.

I hope you are OK

Inanna xx

Thank you Teasswill for your encouraging words

I feel that surgery is for me and have felt that for ages now.  Once again thank you for reassuring me

Inanna xx

Best wishes for Monday Inanna, I now write down any questions I have as I go a bit quiet when I am faced with the data, then think of all the questions the next day. 

Hi Foxbrush

I am going to be writing down questions this weekend because I just sit there looking gormless lol

Thank you for your best wishes

Inanna xx

Something has just occurred to me as apart from the initiated, folks may wonder what Basil is, is it a new medical term? No it's my name for a stoma bag

Hello Inanna

I'm a bit late to this as I'm in hospital after having my surgical hernia fixed yesterday. Disappointed to say iv e just had the morphine pump removed, I was enjoying that.

Two points from me: firstly, morbidity is as Teasswill said and co-morbidities are the pre-existing medical conditions such as a high BMI, diabetes, slow heart rate and so on.

Secondly, the 85% you mention, that'll be the survival rate to five years if you have the cystectomy. That statistic is a bit misleading as there has been no research into survival rates beyond five years and there are many patients who has survived for many years including a lady I know who had her op 25 years ago.

I've posted information about the op and life with a stoma before but happy to post it again if you would like it.

Ask any questions you like.

CB

Hi CB 

Glad the op has been done, shame about the morphine pump though.

Would you please repost would be grateful. 

Hope that is the last of the hernia and you are up and about again

Your words have done me a world of good and I won't hesitate to seek your advice

Inanna xx