Hi All, My first post - my husband has bladder cancer, he was diagnosed a few weeks ago, and is doing well ( I think).
He had a TURBT which confirmed the tumor, then a second 2 days ago, to take more and see what is going on. He hasn't been told much, the consultant was less than helpful - what sort of person answers an email in the middle of delivering news like that? All we know is, it is a T1, high grade, aggressive tumor. I have no idea what agressive means in this context - could anyone help? I just wonder all the time, is it growing at an alarming rate? Should I be worried about a 6 week wait to hear what will happen next? Thanks
Hi Rosy22 and welcome to this friendly and supportive group. Sorry to hear your husband has been diagnosed with bladder cancer and we know how frustrating it can be when doctors do not explain everything in detail. Some doctors have better patient relations than others. T1 is the stage, meaning the tumour has just started to penetrate the inner lining. The grade (G) sounds like G3 if told it is aggressive. This type of grade means there is more of a chance of it coming back at some point, but not always. Although regarded as fast growing, it does take a long time and several weeks should not make much difference. Most of the tumour , if not all would have been removed during the two TURBTs. Results of the second TURBT should give a more accurate diagnosis which determines the next step. Hubby should have a follow up flexible cystoscopy to see how things are. The six weeks is to allow things to heal fully before looking. The usual next step is your husband may be offered a course of BCG. This is an immunotherapy treatment to mop up any rogue cells and help prevent recurrences. Your husband should ask to be copied in on all meeting notes. It helps when you see things written down. For more information on stage and grading click HERE for Mac info. Feel free to ask anything you do not understand. Best wishes.
