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Definitions and abbreviations: Recurrence vs reoccurrence
After my initial bladder cancer diagnosis I had my TURBT surgery. Three months following this surgery, a cystoscopy was performed and 5 tumors (4 small and 1 tiny) were found. My urologist told me that since they were small he could remove them in the office (burn these off and burn the underside) and he would send the larger for biopsy. The report stated it was a "neoplasm" so he then suggested I begin the 6-week BCG regimen which I did (had my 2nd yesterday. I wanted to know what a neoplasm is and found the information listed on the American Cancer website:
https://www.cancer.org/cancer/understanding-cancer/what-is-cancer/neoplasms-and-tumors.htmlAside from this, I was curious to see if the terms recurrence and reoccurrence had the same meaning and they do not:
This from the American Cancer Society:
"The terms recurrence and reoccurrence are often used interchangeably in the context of cancer, but they have distinct meanings."
"Recurrence refers to the reappearance of cancer cells after initial treatments have seemingly cleared the body, while reoccurrence may refer to the reappearance of cancer cells after a previous treatment has failed."
"In cancer treatment, recurrence is when cancer cells that survived initial treatment begin to grow and multiply again, potentially returning to the original site or spreading to new parts of the body."
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As if navigating the burden of having bladder cancer isn't complicated enough, add to it all the terms and abbreviations which are often bewildering.
I am hoping for success after completion of the 6th BCG installation (I have 4 more to go) but realizing there might be more insidious tumors lurking - I will still try to remain optimistic.
Wishing fellow group members success in their treatments.
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Are you receiving BCG treatments, is so any side effects, good luck with your treatments
@jlopez7868
My urologist did not suggest my having the BCG treatment after my TURBT which removed a cancerous tumor. I suppose he wanted to see if any others formed at the 3-month mark - which as I said they did.
Subsequently, I have taken my second of the 6 BCG installations yesterday and will take my third next Thursday. I have no burning upon urination and no bleeding. After the treatment yesterday, I only experienced very slight pain in my right side. When I reported that to the doctor, he told me to take a Tylenol and keep drinking fluids. That slight pain passed, I am feeling fine and am hoping that the remainder of the treatments are not problematical.
Like so many other members here, I will continue with the BCG treatments and hope this will prove successful in preventing other tumors from forming. I am, however, realistic and realize there can not be any certainty. We live in hope.
Here's wishing you success with your treatments,
@deidre77 Thank you so much for your quick response. I also had TURBT, the tumor did not penetrate the bladder wall. I will begin the treatments in few weeks. I don't tolerate pain very well, glad to hear that everyone is different and I may only experience the burning. was inserting the catheter painful.
Bobbie, you taught me something today. While I know what a neoplasm is, I am surprised by the different definitions of recurrence and reoccurrence. Thanks for sharing this and good luck with those BCG treatments. I hope they are successful in controlling your bladder cancer.
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Thank you. I hope we are all successful.
@jlopez7868
Surprisingly, I barely felt anything as the catheter was inserted and I will have to say I braced myself for worse. This was my experience twice now.
I think you will do just fine. Good luck and let us know how it went. We are fortunate that such a treatment exists since it provides us with hope. Sending my best wishes.
@deidre77 Thank you, I think the waiting for the first treatment is the worse, all your answers have made me feel better, like I said before I don't do well with pain but this sounds like I can handle it, thanks to everyone and God bless.
@deidre77
What are BCG treatments? What is TURBT? I'm just trying to learn the initials that are used so often for everything.
Being a "newbie" myself, having only begun on this unwelcomed journey this past summer, I too am slowly learning all the definitions and abbreviations concerning bladder cancer.
As I watch the Olympics, I can sort of compare all the members who comprise this group to Olympians since each person is facing his/her own unique challenge, earnestly trying to remain strong and doing their absolute best to overcome any obstacles to success - this being to beat bladder cancer.
Definitions of TURBT and BCG:
Transurethral Resection of Bladder Tumor (TURBT)
TURBT is a surgical procedure that allows healthcare providers to both diagnose and treat bladder cancer. It involves the removal of tumors from the bladder wall using a thin tube called a resectoscope, which is inserted through the urethra, eliminating the need for external incisions.
How is TURBT Performed?
Preparation: Patients may receive general or spinal anesthesia to ensure comfort during the procedure. The healthcare team will provide specific instructions on how to prepare for TURBT.
Procedure: The resectoscope, equipped with a camera and a wire loop, is inserted into the bladder through the urethra. The doctor uses the camera to locate tumors and the wire loop to cut and remove them. This procedure typically takes about 15 to 90 minutes.
Biopsy: The removed tissue is sent to a laboratory for analysis to determine the cancer's stage and grade, which helps in planning further treatment.
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
BCG - Bacillus-Calmette-Guerin therapy
https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/types/bladder/treatment/bacillus-calmette-guerin-therapy
I wish you well and hope your path will be a successful one.
@deidre77
Thank you so much for this information. It is a big help trying to keep up with everyone's emails!