revisiting group

Hi . Nice to hear from you again. Good to know your BCG is starting soon. You're right that the waiting never gets any easier. There have been many delays owing to covid. Could I suggest you may be grade 3 rather than stage 3. Non muscle invasive would be a lower stage. CT scans are not perfect for picking up early stages, cystoscopies are the best method. Some people choose to go straight for bladder removal while others prefer the BCG route. BCG can have good results. You will know a lot more when you see your consultant. I hope all goes smoothly for you. Best wishes.

thankyou Rily

Diagnosis & tests can vary a lot, depending on how the cancer presents & why/how Px are referred. For instance, I thought I had a gynae problem & was referred for pelvic ultrasound & gynae appt. The Us picked up a bladder problem & I was lucky enough to get a flexi cysto the same day. CT came later while waiting for TURBT.

There are NICE guidelines about treatment for different grades & stages, but some hosp consultants may not adhere to these. It does seem that many don't offer a choice of BCG or bladder removal for high grade NIMBC, but it is the NICE recommendation. What is important is to know all the pros & cons of each option & make the choice that you feel is right for you.

thankyou for this 

Hi Swimbler,Welcome back.You should get the opportunity to discuss options with your consultant.I had pre cancerous cells for 14 years before they turned cancerous.As I was already under surveillance I contacted my urologist after a change in urinary symptoms.I went in for a cystoscopy followed by a Turbt.Biopsy results showed a Squamous cell cancer G3 and initially a T2 but regraded a T3b after Ct scan.I was told I would need bladder removal and referred to the surgeon oncologist.I went to see him with my sister and he explained the surgery,risks etc.I had the cystectomy a month later in September 2019.Let us know how you get on.Best wishes Jane x