Multiple TURBT procedures

Hi AllotmentP, I've had 4 TURBTs,  initial 2 then 2 for reoccurrences. I also wondered if the reoccurrence would mean alternative treatment. Doesn't seem to be a limit on number of times as such, I think it always depends on biopsy results to decide next treatments. So far my team have recommended I continue with BCG, which I have been happy with. It is depressing when tumours reoccur but very common with BC. Some folk on here have had many more than me and are still trucking along. Best wishes

Thanks Herothedog for the reply that is helpful but sorry for you 4 sounds like a lot best wishes to you

Hi AllotmentP and a welcome to the group. Good to see you posting after all this time. Unfortunately we know this thing has a habit of recurring. We have had people here who have had multiple recurrences for many years and prefer to continue having TURBTs in order to preserve their bladders. There does not seem a limit on how many people can have. The good thing is that we are checked regularly and anything new can be picked up early and dealt with. I hope all goes well. Best wishes.

Hi AllotmentP

I've had recurrence since 2012 & am admitted to hospital every 6 months for a rigid cystoscopy.  I did wonder the same myself as although my first one was tough, in between I settled down, but now I'm struggling with it.  I've been wondering about bladder removal for the future, although I'd rather not but I can't go on like this.  Maybe I'm just  a wuss, but things have definitely changed for me, plus I always get a UTI after the procedure.  But looking on the bright side I'm sure there's one person here who'd had over 50 & had lost count, which of course gave me confidence for the future. I'm hoping to discuss this with someone soon, so if I ever get to find out I'll report back.  

All the best x

As said, I don' think there's a limit - bladder will recover in between each one. The important aspect is the path report of stage & grade. If still low grade & superficial, then repeated TURBTS is the appropriate measure. Best wishes.

Hi Blanket thanks for the response I am a novice at this... 2012 that’s a long time to receive treatment I hope things get better for you and you get the advice and help you need. At this early stage I could not contemplate losing my bladder but who knows what the future holds. since my diagnosis I have tried to not to think about what next and deal with each procedure as it arrives but I have been lucky with no side affects yet. But the whole in and out of hospital does get you down something the doctor told me at the beginning I would have to get used to. In particular the cystocopy hanging on the doctors words to hear clear not clear not very easy ....wish you the best..

I’ve had several Turbt procedures due to pre-cancerous inflammatory changes.The waiting times after biopsy were always stressful.My bladder had to be removed urgently last year due to cancer,I won’t miss the regular cystoscopies.Jane xx

Hi AllotmentP,

I had 3 TURBTs after my initial one before I had a course of mitomycin treatment last summer- just had a clear cystoscopy today so obviously worked.

You are right though I do think it depends on individual circumstances. I questioned the surgeon before my last TURBT and pointed out it wasn’t ideal having to have this procedure every three months and did ask about other treatment.

Perhaps worth asking the question as to what further treatment would be on offer if you get more reoccurrences.

Best wishes

Luce